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Description
Salvia Officinalis, commonly known as sage, is a perennial evergreen herb that belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region but can now be found in many parts of the world. The plant grows up to 2 feet tall and has woody stems with grayish-green leaves that are covered in fine hairs. The leaves have a strong aroma and flavor, making them a popular culinary herb. The plant produces small blue to purple flowers in late spring and early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Salvia |
| Species | Salvia officinalis |
Appearance
Sage has a bushy appearance with woody stems that can grow up to 2 feet tall. The leaves are grayish-green in color and are covered in fine hairs. They are oblong in shape and can grow up to 2.5 inches long. The leaves have a strong aroma and flavor, making them a popular culinary herb. The plant produces small blue to purple flowers in late spring and early summer. The flowers are arranged in whorls on spikes that can grow up to 1 foot tall.
Care Guide
Sage is a relatively easy herb to care for. It prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The plant should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Sage does not require much fertilizer, but a balanced fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season. Sage prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is hardy in zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sage is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Aphids and spider mites can sometimes be a problem, but they can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Sage is native to the Mediterranean region but can now be found in many parts of the world. It prefers a warm and dry climate and is often found in rocky, well-drained soils. Sage is commonly grown in herb gardens and can also be found growing wild in fields and along roadsides.
Question and Answer
Q: Is sage a perennial or an annual?
A: Sage is a perennial herb.
Q: How often should sage be watered?
A: Sage should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Q: Can sage be grown in a container?
A: Yes, sage can be grown in a container as long as it has well-drained soil and receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Q: How do I harvest sage?
A: Sage can be harvested by cutting the stems just above a set of leaves. It is best to harvest sage in the morning when the essential oils are at their highest concentration.
Related Plants
- Salvia nemorosa
- Salvia coccinea
- Salvia elegans
- Salvia leucantha
References
- “Sage (Salvia Officinalis).” Better Homes & Gardens, https://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/herb/sage/.
- “Salvia Officinalis.” Missouri Botanical Garden, http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279513&isprofile=0&basic=salvia%20officinalis.
- “Salvia Officinalis.” The Spruce, https://www.thespruce.com/growing-care-for-sage-plants-1402452.
