How to Grow Sage From Seed

Sage is a woody perennial plant. The leaves are gray to green in color. A mature sage plant will reach 2 feet in height. If the plant is left unpruned, it will begin to sprawl across the soil. The leaves are harvested from the plant before it begins to bloom in midsummer. Prune the plant back after blooming if no seed is desired. Growing the sage plant from seed is best done by starting plants indoors during late February to early March.

6-inch pot with drainage hole

Rich humus potting soil

Water

Sage seed

Plastic food wrap

Fill the 6-inch pot with rich humus potting soil. Add 1 quart water to the mix and allow excess moisture to drain.

Lay 10 to 12 sage seeds evenly over the top of the moist potting soil. The seeds are very small, and you may add more than you intended, which means more plants.

Sprinkle 1/8 inch of dry potting soil over the seed.

Cover the pot with a single layer of plastic food wrap. The plastic wrap aids in retaining moisture and heat around the seeds for increased germination rates.

Set the pot in a well-lit area out of direct sunlight. Direct sunlight may prematurely dry out the potting soil.

Check the potting soil for moisture content on a weekly basis. If the soil feels dry, add 1 cup water. Keep the pot covered with the plastic food wrap.

Remove the plastic wrap from the seedlings when 1 inch in height. Transplant the seedlings 2 feet apart in full sun after danger of frost has passed in the spring. Sage grows well in most types of well-drained soils.

Sage requires no added nutrients to the soil but will respond well to small nitrogen additions. Generally, 1 tbsp. dried blood meal mixed into the soil around the base of the plant works well.

Due to the extensive woody stems of the plant, it may be best to renew the perennial every three to four years with new plants.