Sage

Salvia officinalis. Perennial. 2'

Attracts Pollinators.

Grey green leaves, lavender  blue flowers on short, upright stalks. Sage leaves are used in poultry stuffing, sausage, pork dishes, soft cheeses. Tea from leaves good for colds. Sage comes from the Mediterranean region. First used by the Greeks and Romans as a meat preservative. Emperor Charlemagne planted sage in Germany in 812 AD to use in trade and likely for medicinal purposes. Medieval proverb," Why should a man die while sage grows in the garden."  Sage blooms do attract bees into the garden. 

Planting Directions: Sow seed indoors 6 to 8 weeks before last frost. Lightly cover seed with seed starting mix and press seed down. Germination takes 4-21 days with temperatures of 65°-75°.  Thin or transplant seedlings when first set of true leaves appear and roots are well established. Plant outdoors when temperatures are at least 55? spacing plants 18” apart. Plant in full sun in well drained soil. Water lightly as sage is a drought tolerant plant.

Remarks:  Harvest anytime during the growing season. Sage seems to be most flavorful when flower buds appear before full bloom. Use fresh or dry leaves and store in an airtight container away from direct light.