Water
Water garden sage thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. In hot, dry weather, you may need to water more frequently.
Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant.
Also known as Berggarten Sage · Broadleaf Sage · Common Sage
Garden sage (Salvia officinalis) is a hardy, aromatic perennial herb with silvery-green leaves, widely cultivated for culinary and medicinal uses.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun.
100% intensity
Requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and flavor.
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
25% intensity
Prefers well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant once established.
Well-drained, sandy, loamy
50% intensity
Moderate to warm.
50% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 15-25°C. Can tolerate brief periods of colder weather, but may need protection in harsh winters.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Low frequency.
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer; avoid over-fertilizing.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water garden sage thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. In hot, dry weather, you may need to water more frequently.
Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant.
Prune garden sage in spring to shape the plant and encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead or weak stems.
A harder prune can be done in late summer or early fall after flowering to maintain a compact form and prevent woody growth. Avoid cutting into old wood.
Propagate garden sage from stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Select healthy, non-flowering stems about 10-15 cm long. Remove lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
Plant in well-draining soil and keep moist until roots form.
Repot established garden sage plants every 2-3 years, or when they become root-bound. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one.
Use a well-draining potting mix, preferably one formulated for herbs or cacti. Repot in spring before new growth begins.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Garden Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Where Garden Sage (Salvia officinalis) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Salvia |
| Species | Salvia officinalis |
Similar in genus Salvia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data