DescriptionSage (Salvia officinalis) is a scrumptious herb that’s been cherished for centuries for its aroma, flavor, and medicinal properties. Traditionally, sage has been used in Southern Cuisine to enhance the flavors of various dishes such as poultry, soups, sauces, and much more! Sage’s festive flavor is a staple around the Thanksgiving Table (Torkey, Stuffing, Etc.). Now, you can bring this storied herb to your own Georgia Garden.The best time to start sowing Sage Seeds in Georgia is during early spring or fall. These seasons offer mild temperatures, which create ideal conditions for germination and early growth.For best results, grow Sage over two growing seasons in North, South, and Central Georgia. The Spring Season, where Sage is started in Late Winter/Early Spring and harvested into the Late Spring and Summer. The Fall Season, where Sage is started in Summer and harvested into the Early Winter. Specific Recommended Growing Dates are listed below. Grow Sage over one longer growing season in Coastal Georgia, from Late Summer through Late Spring. Specific Recommended Growing Dates are listed below.Mature Sage Plants can survive frosts and freezes, but their growth can slow during extremely cold periods. Sage survives extreme cold better than it does extreme heat. This means that in North, Central, and South Georgia the two peak seasons for growing Sage are Late Spring into Early Summer and Fall as it transitions into Winter. In Coastal Georgia, Fall, Winter and Spring make for a slightly longer peak growing season.Seed Pack Contains 120 heirloom seeds.Tips on Growing Sage from Seed:Germination: Start your seeds indoors, as early as, 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost in Georgia (otherwise, just follow the recommended dates below). Sage prefers well-drained, fertile soil, so consider using a seed-starting mix, potting soil, or vermiculite. Sow the seeds lightly on the soil surface, as they require light for germination (no deeper than 1/4″).Light and Temperature: Place the seed trays in a warm location with plenty of sunlight, as sage thrives in full sun exposure. Maintain a consistent soil temperature between 60-70°F (15-20°C) to encourage healthy growth. Soil temperatures tend to be within this range when temperatures are not freezing or excessively hot.Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering may lead to root rot, so it’s essential to strike a proper balance to ensure successful germination.Transplanting: When the seedlings reach 2-3 inches in height and all danger of frost has passed, carefully transplant them to your garden or chosen outdoor location.Spacing: Proper spacing is crucial for sage plants to flourish. Space each sage plant approximately 18-24 inches apart in rows or beds to allow adequate airflow and prevent overcrowding. Sage is known to grow bushy and may reach a height of 18-30 inches, so sufficient space is necessary to accommodate its mature size.Sun Exposure: Full Sun (at least 6 hours of Sunlight)Frost Tolerant?: Yes (Temperatures as low as 30 degrees, mature plants can survive as low as 15 degrees)Heirloom?: YesDays Until Harvest/Maturity: 70-80Planting Depth: ¼”Distance Between Rows: 18 to 24 inchesDistance Between Plants: 18 inchesRecommended Planting Dates:Do not feel restricted to planting exclusively within the following date ranges. These dates are only a recommendation for best results based upon our experience, research, & best practices.North Georgia: February 10 THROUGH December 15 Suggested Spring Planting Window (Starting Seeds & Transplants): February 15 through April 1 Suggested Fall Planting Window (Starting Seeds & Transplants): August 1 through September 1Central Georgia: January 20 THROUGH December 31 Suggested Spring Planting Window (Starting Seeds & Transplants): January 20 through March 25 Suggested Fall Planting Window (Starting Seeds & Transplants): August 15 through September 20South Georgia: January 15 THROUGH December 31 Suggested Spring Planting Window (Starting Seeds & Transplants): January 15 through March 20 Suggested Fall Planting Window (Starting Seeds & Transplants): August 20 through September 20Coastal Georgia: August 1 THROUGH April 30 Suggested Spring Planting Window (Starting Seeds & Transplants): January 1 through March 1 Suggested Fall Planting Window (Starting Seeds & Transplants): August 20 through November 20What’s my Georgia Growing Region? Click Here.
