How to Grow Sage

Updated June 2026

A cool-season herb for the home garden across the warmer US.

What it looks like as it grows

Sage is a rewarding cool-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Sage is a cool-season crop. In the South and Southwest, plant in fall through winter when the heat eases. See your region on the sage page for exact timing.

Varieties

Garden Sage, Common culinary sage (garden centers)
Berggarten, Compact, broad-leaved (garden centers)

How to grow it

Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
Spacing: about 20 in between plants.
Sowing: barely cover the seed.
Water: roughly 0.8 gal per plant every 4 days in hot weather.
Containers: grows well in a pot of 8 in+.

Pests & problems

Watch for Spider mite and Slugs. In humid regions, Powdery mildew can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Sage is usually ready to harvest in about 2 months. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant sage where you garden.

See also: Sage in the plant library →

See what to plant this month

Pick your region for a month-by-month calendar tuned to your climate.

Find your region →