Sage [Salvia officinalis]

Perennial sage is a very old, sun-loving and traditional tea, medicinal and spice plant. Versatile and has many good active ingredients. It smells aromatic and tastes velvety, spicy and slightly bitter. Ideal for direct sowing, pot cultivation possible, sowing spring-summer, good for mixed cultivation, harvesting the leaves.

 Description 
Sage is a perennial woody shrub and is one of the traditional old tea, medicinal and spice herbs. Originally native to Asia Minor and North Africa, the sun-loving plant has been cultivated in Europe since ancient times. Sage has an aromatic scent and a velvety, spicy and slightly bitter taste. Due to its active ingredients, it has antibacterial, disinfectant, antispasmodic, diuretic and fungicidal effects. Infusions, tea or extracted essential oil are mainly used for internal and external treatments. The most well-known use is as a mouthwash for minor injuries or inflammation of the teeth, gums or oral mucosa, as well as for sore throats.

 General information 
Plant family: Lamiaceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 150 days
Plant height approx.: 70 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Low
Water requirements: Low
Winter hardiness: Up to -28°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich sandy loam soil

pH value: 7 to 8

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Dark germinator
Sowing depth: 1 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 18-22 °C
Germination time: 10-28 days
Plant and row spacing: 50x60 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Thyme, Rosemary, Beans, Peas, Fennel, Cress, Carrots, Lettuce, Cabbage
Unfavorable mixed culture: Basil

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing from March to August is recommended. The plants should ideally be in a sunny location.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from April to June is recommended. The plants should ideally be in a sunny location.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing. Pre-cultivation is also advisable.
Sage does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
The main harvest occurs in the second year if the seed is sown late. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds or cuttings.

 Plant care 
Loose, nutrient-rich soil is sufficient. Fertilization is only recommended in spring.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Salvia officinalis
English names: Sage
German names: Salbei, Echter Salbei
Portuguese names: Sálvia
Spanish names: Sabio
French names: Sauge

 Origin 
Country: Portugal