| Common Name | Sage (includes Pineapple, Berggarten, Purple, Tricolor, Berggarten Variegated) |
| Genus | Salvia |
| Species |
Various (e.g. Salvia officinalis for Berggarten, Tricolor, and Purple Sage; Salvia elegans for Pineapple) |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Life Cycle | S. officinalis is a perennial in USDA Zones 4-10; can be grown as an annual in colder climates. S. elegans is not quite as winter hardy, only perennializing in USDA zones 8-11. S. elegans (Pineapple Sage) is often grown as an annual and can grow quite large in a single growing season. |
| Tray Size | 50 (half tray) |
| Plug Care | Harden off and transplant (or bump up) plugs promptly after arrival to avoid any stress on the plants while still in the plug trays. Keep soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging. Hardening off plants before transplanting helps protect against transplant shock and sunscald. |
| Netting / Staking | Not required. Sage has a naturally upright and bushy growth habit. |
| Temperature Range | Thrives in temperatures between 65-80°F. S. officinalis is hardy to light frosts once established but protect young plants from freezing temperatures. S. elegans is a heat loving plant and shouldn't be exposed to any frost or cold temperatures, especially when young. |
| Spacing | Space plants 12-24 inches apart, depending on the variety, to allow for optimal growth and airflow. Research each variety prior to ordering to determine it's mature widths - heights are roughly as follows:
Pineapple up to 36", Berggarten up to 24", Purple up to 24", Tricolor up to 24" |
| Soil Preference | refers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. Sandy or loamy soils are ideal. Avoid heavy clay soils to prevent root rot. |
| Day Length | Day-neutral; grows best in full sun with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. |
| Pinching | Pinch young plants to encourage branching and a denser growth habit. Remove flower buds (or use as cut material) as they appear to prolong foliage production and improve leaf quality. |
| When to Plant | Plant in spring after the last frost, especially in northern zones where they will be grown as annuals. For perennial varieties, planting throughout summer or early fall allows them enough time to establish before winter. |
| Harvesting | Begin harvesting when stems reach the desired length and leaves are mature. Cut just above a leaf node at the base of the plant to encourage regrowth. The best time to harvest is early in the morning when plants are fully hydrated. |
| Post Harvest Care | Place stems in a bucket of fresh, cool water immediately after cutting. Sage can have a tendency to wilt right after cutting, but if left to condition for a few hours before use it should hydrate well. Sage can have a vase life of about a week; use floral preservatives and change water frequently to maximize vase life. |
| Diseases / Insects | Generally low maintenance but can be susceptible to powdery mildew, root rot, and aphids. Ensure proper spacing for airflow, water at the base of plants, and avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risks. |
| Bailey's Notes | Sage offers both stunning visual appeal and a pleasant, subtle fragrance, making it a versatile addition to mixed bouquets. Varieties like Tricolor and Purple Sage add a pop of unique color, while Berggarten provides a robust, silvery texture. With proper care, sage will produce abundant foliage, making it a reliable and attractive choice for cut flower growers. |
| Resources |
North Carolina State Extension: Salvia (Sage) Growing Tips Royal Horticultural Society (RHS): Sage Care Profile University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources: Sage Pest Management |