Sow versatile sage for winter soups

SOW AND GROW

When to sow: September to April in warmer areas and October to March in cooler areas.

When to transplant: September to April in warmer areas and November to April in cooler areas.

Position: Full sun.

Harvest: Seven weeks.

Good for pots.

STEP-BY-STEP

Sow fresh seed 1.5cm deep, 25cm apart direct into the garden or in punnets filled equal parts seed raising mix and fine bark, covering seed lightly with perlite.

Position punnets in a light, warm spot.

Spray with water to keep soil mix moist – not sodden.

Germination can take 2-3 weeks. Thin seedlings to 45cm apart.

If growing in punnets, seedlings are ready to plant into larger pots or the garden when about four weeks old.

Protect young plants from frost during winter with cloches.

GROWING TIPS

Sage is cold hardy but does best in a warm, sunny position with well-drained, average quality soil. If your soil gets waterlogged during winter, sow direct into pots; the pots can be moved to shelter or covered when frosts are likely.

Regular harvesting keeps plants leafy, but don’t harvest in winter. Trim back after flowering in summer.

In winter, prune out dead foliage and stems, and protect plants from cold.

Take softwood cuttings in spring to propagate variegated varieties and those that don’t set seed easily.

STANDOUT VARIETIES

Purple sage ‘Purpurascens’ has a more delicate flavour than common sage and its dark blue flowers make a pretty garnish. To create an impact in the herb garden, try the variegated sage ‘Tricolor’.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Sage isn’t prone to pests. Overwatering is the most common issue, followed by lack of light and lack of pruning.

Plant sage to attract bees to the garden and around your cabbages to repel white butterflies.