The Complete Guide to Growing Sage from Seeds

Growing sage from seeds may seem intimidating, but with a few simple tips, you can have a bountiful harvest of this aromatic herb in no time. As an avid gardener, I’ve learned a lot over the years about how to successfully start sage from seed.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right sage variety to transplanting seedlings outdoors. Whether you’re new to gardening or an experienced green thumb, you’ll find sage growing advice to help your seeds thrive.

Why Grow Sage from Seed?

Purchasing starter plants from the garden center may seem easier, but growing sage from seed has many benefits:

• Greater variety – Nurseries typically only carry a few popular types, while seeds give you access to many more cultivars.

• Lower cost – A packet of sage seeds costs a fraction of starter plants. Save money and get more for your investment.

• Control timing – With seeds, you decide when to start planting rather than relying on what’s available at the store.

• Enjoy the process – It’s fulfilling and educational to nurture seeds and watch them develop. Kids love getting involved too!

Starting from seed takes a little more time upfront, but the advantages make it worthwhile Now let’s go over how to get it right.

Choosing the Best Sage Variety

With over 900 types of sage, choosing the right seeds can be puzzling Here are a few top varieties for beginners

• Garden Sage – The most common for culinary use. Has broad, gray-green, pebbly leaves with robust, savory flavor. Grows 2-3 feet tall.

• Purple Sage – Gorgeous purple-hued leaves Milder taste used for teas and potpourri. Compact 12-18 inch height

• Tricolor Sage – Visually striking sage with leaves striped in green, cream, and pink. Used ornamentally but has good flavor too. Grows 18-24 inches tall.

• Berggarten Sage – Afraid of killing plants? This is the robust, easy-to-grow sage for you. Produces big leaves for cooking. Grows up to 3 feet tall.

For more unique sages, check out pineapple, golden, or lime varieties – the options are endless! Decide whether you want sage for looks, flavor, or both.

How to Plant Sage Seeds Indoors

The key to flourishing sage plants begins with properly planting the seeds indoors first. Here’s how to do it right:

When to Start Seeds

• For spring transplanting, start seeds indoors 8-12 weeks before the last expected frost.

• For fall planting, sow seeds 12-14 weeks before the first autumn frost.

Gather Supplies

A few basic supplies are needed for sowing seeds:

• Seed starting soil mix or potting mix
• Small containers like seed trays or pots
• Plastic dome or plastic wrap
• Water spray bottle
• Pencil or plant markers

Quality soil provides proper drainage and nutrients for germination. Containers like seed trays give each seedling room to establish roots. The plastic dome retains moisture so seeds don’t dry out. The rest will be useful for labeling and watering seeds.

Sow Seeds

To plant:

• Fill containers with soil mix to 1⁄4 inch from the top. Pat down gently.

• Sprinkle 5-6 sage seeds evenly over the soil surface. They only need to be 1/16 inch deep since they require light to germinate.

• Use a pencil to poke holes 1⁄4 inch deep into the soil. Place 1-2 seeds in each hole.

• Cover pots or seed trays with plastic wrap or a dome to retain moisture.

• Use a spray bottle to water soil until damp but not soaked.

Caring for Seeds

Once sown, sage seeds need attentive care:

• Keep soil moist but not saturated for the 10-20 days it takes to germinate. Mist with spray bottle daily.

• Ideal germination temperature is 65-70°F. Consider using a seedling heat mat.

• Remove dome and plastic once the first seedlings sprout to avoid mold.

• Place container in bright, indirect sunlight right away for sturdy growth.

With diligent watering and optimal warmth, you’ll see the first little sprouts emerge within a few weeks!

Transplanting Sage Seedlings

In another 6-8 weeks your tiny sage sprouts will be ready to transplant into larger pots. Follow these tips for successful transplantation:

Harden Off Seedlings

• Place pots outside in a shady spot for 1-2 hours a day over a week. Slowly increase to full sun.

• Bring indoors at night until seedlings are acclimated to outdoor conditions.

• Avoid transplanting right after rain or during extreme heat/cold.

Transplant into Larger Containers

• Gently tease apart seedlings with roots intact and re-plant each in its own 3-4 inch pot.

• Bury stem up to the lowest set of leaves. Sage can root along the stem.

• Use potting mix formulated for herbs or vegetables. Good drainage is vital.

• Firm soil gently around transplants and water thoroughly after.

• Place transplants in full sun except in extremely hot climates. Provide afternoon shade if needed.

Continue Growing Indoors

• Keep soil moderately moist, allowing it to dry between waterings.

• Feed every 2-3 weeks with liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.

• Maintain 65-75°F temps until ready to transplant outdoors.

Properly hardening off and transplanting puts your sage in the best position to thrive in the garden!

Transplanting Outdoors

The fun part is finally transplanting hardy sage seedlings into the garden for all to enjoy! Here are some tips:

Select the Right Location

• Choose a spot in full sun with well-draining soil.

• Container-grown plants can be placed in partly sunny areas.

• Give each transplant 12-18 inches of space from other plants.

Prepare Soil Properly

• Loosen soil and mix in 1-2 inches of compost or fertilizer a week before transplanting.

• Rake area smooth to create a welcoming seedbed.

• Plant on a cloudy day or late afternoon to reduce transplant shock.

Transplant with Care

• Water sage plants well the morning of transplanting.

• Gently remove from pots and tease apart tangled roots if needed.

• Dig holes the same depth as pots and place plants inside.

• Backfill holes with native soil and pat down firmly around plants.

• Create a water basin around each and water thoroughly after planting.

Ongoing Care

• Water 1 inch per week until established, then let soil partly dry out between waterings.

• Apply thick mulch around plants to retain moisture and discourage weeds.

• Prune back by one-third in late spring to encourage bushy growth.

• Harvest leaves as needed once plants are growing vigorously.

With the right location and care, your sage will flourish for years to come. The effort to start from seed is worthwhile when those first homegrown leaves are ready for harvest!

For more gardening tips or sage recipes, visit my blog at www.gardendelights.com. Happy growing, friends!