How to Grow Sage in Australia
A cool-season herb crop for the home garden
Growing Sage rewards a little local know-how, and in the right season the plants do most of the work for you. It is rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$2-4/week, perennial shrub that grows for years with minimal effort.
This guide covers when to plant Sage in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to sow and space it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Sage is a cool-season crop, fully frost-hardy. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, June, July, August and September. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Sage full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 20cm+, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed on the surface, barely covered. Thin or space plants to about 50 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 14 days, fastest when the soil is between 15 and 25 degrees.
Drought-tolerant once established. Prefers cool-season in SEQ. Prune hard after flowering. Purple and tricolour varieties are ornamental as well as edible.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 3 L per plant every 4 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Spider mite and Slugs. The main diseases to watch are Powdery mildew. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Sage is typically ready to harvest in around 75 days (about 2 months). Fridge loosely wrapped for 1 week. Dry or freeze very well.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, sage is good fried in butter until crispy for pasta, added to pork and chicken stuffings, infused into brown butter sauce and used in herbal teas for digestion. Nutritionally: contains antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds and supports oral health and digestion.
Companion Planting
Sage grows well alongside Rosemary, Brassicas and Carrot. Keep it away from Cucumber. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Sage Growing
Add sage to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sage in Australia?
Sage is a cool-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, June, July, August and September. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Sage take to grow?
Sage is generally ready to harvest in around 75 days (about 2 months).
Can I grow Sage in a pot?
Yes. Sage grows well in a container of 20cm+ with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Sage need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Sage in the Plant Library
