Plant Profile

common sageSalvia officinalis

Sage is a versatile herb that should not be missing from any garden. Its silvery-green leaves emit an intense fragrance and are valued in both culinary and natural medicine. As a robust subshrub, it is relatively easy to care for and enriches the garden bed for many years.

HerbsMint family
Calendar
common sage (Salvia officinalis): plant portrait - Herbs, Mint family, Harvest May - October
common sage: plant portrait. harvest: May - October.

Quick profile

Key data

Growing calendar
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Indoor sowing
Direct sowing outdoors
Planting outdoors
Harvest
Pruning
Indoor sowingDirect sowing outdoorsPlanting outdoorsHarvestPruning

Suitable growing locations:

Outdoor garden bedRaised bedContainerBalconyWindowsill

Good neighbors

BrassicasCarrotsRosmarinus tomentosusStrawberry

Avoid

CucumberOnionRue

Indoor & direct sowing

common sage: Sowing and germination

Indoor sowing

Sow indoors for an earlier harvest.

Direct sowing outdoors

Direct sow after the last frosts.

Seed depth0.5 - 1 cm
Germination temp15 - 20 °C
Germination time10 - 20 days
Light germinatorYes
Dark germinatorNo
Cold germinatorNo
Stratification neededNo
Pre-soaking recommendedNo

Planting & site

common sage: Planting and spacing

Planting outdoors

Plant out seedlings after the last expected frosts (mid-May).

Plant spacing30 - 50 cm
Row spacing40 - 60 cm
Plants per m²4 - 9 per m²
Bed widthfrom 60 cm

Temperature & frost

common sage: Temperature and site

Growing temperaturefrom 5 °C
Optimal temperature18 - 25 °C
Max. heatup to 35 °C
Soil temperature12 - 18 °C
Frost sensitiveNo
Late frost sensitiveYes
Heat tolerancehigh
Cold tolerancemedium

Water & nutrients

common sage: Water, nutrients and care

Waterlow
Critical water phasesgermination, establishment after planting out
Watering methodDrip irrigation
Droughtlow
Waterlogging sensitiveYes
Mulching recommendedYes
Nutrient needlight feeder
Compost recommendedYes
Fertilizer sensitivitymedium

Container & growth

common sage: Container, support and growth

Container suitableYes
Pot sizeVolume: from 5 l; Recommended: from 10 l; Diameter: from 20 cm; Depth: from 20 cm
SupportNo
Height30 - 70 cm
Width30 - 60 cm
Root depth20 - 40 cm
Root spread20 - 40 cm
Yield50 - 200 g_fresh_leaves

Year plan

common sage Calendar

Plants

In spring, sage awakens to new life. A vigorous prune ensures an abundant harvest until autumn.

Year overview
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Indoor sowing
Direct sowing outdoors
Planting outdoors
Harvest
Pruning

Recurring tasks

Start sage seeds indoorsFebruary - March
Main pruning for rejuvenation and shapingMarch - April
After the last severe frosts, when new growth begins. Promotes bushy growth and leaf production.
Direct sow outdoorsApril - May
after_last_frost
Harvest first leavesMay - October
Harvest leaves continuouslyMay - October
Light trim after floweringJuly - August
Removes spent flower stalks and can encourage a second flush of leaves. Do not cut too deeply.

Relevant now

June

  • No additional single task

Next up

July

  • No additional single task

Monthly tasks

Single tasks from monthly data; repeated seasonal windows are shown in the overview above.

PlantingHarvestGrowing

January

Quiet month

February

No additional single task

March

Prune older plants

Planting

  • Prune older plantsRemove old, woody stems to encourage new growth.

April

No additional single task

May

Plant out young sage plants

Planting

  • Plant out young sage plantsafter_last_frost

June

No additional single task

July

No additional single task

August

No additional single task

September

Preserve for winter

Growing

  • Preserve for winterDry or freeze leaves for winter storage.

October

Last harvest before winter

Harvest

  • Last harvest before winter

November

Quiet month

December

Quiet month

Flowering & pollination

common sage Flowering & pollination

Flowering period

May to July

Flower color

Blue to Purplish

Self-fertility

self_fertile_with_cross_pollination_benefit

Pollinator needed

yes

Overview

Sage is primarily pollinated by insects, especially bees.

Notes

The flowers are a good nectar source for bees and other insects.

Pruning & care

common sage Pruning & care

Pruning type

renewal_pruning_and_shaping

Pruning timing

Spring

Main pruning for rejuvenation and shaping After the last severe frosts, when new growth begins. Promotes bushy growth and leaf production.

Summer

Light trim after flowering Removes spent flower stalks and can encourage a second flush of leaves. Do not cut too deeply.

Remove

Dead, damaged, or diseased stemsOld, excessively woody stems that produce fewer leavesSpent flower stalks (optional, to encourage bushier growth)

Preserve

Young, healthy, leafy shootsA compact, bushy growth habit

Avoid

Severe pruning into very old wood without visible new growth, as this may hinder resproutingHeavy pruning in late autumn, as this can reduce winter hardiness

Tools and hygiene

Always use sharp and clean pruning shears to ensure clean cuts and prevent the spread of diseases. Disinfect blades as needed.

Companion guide

common sage Companion guide

Companion guide

Good neighbors

BrassicasCarrotsRosmarinus tomentosusStrawberry

Avoid

CucumberOnionRue

Use & storage

common sage Use & storage

Harvest

Leaves can be harvested continuously. Aroma is most intense before flowering.

Storage

Herbs

Storage life

Fresh: 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator. Dried: 1-3 years. Frozen: 6-12 months.

Flavor

Pungent, earthy, slightly peppery, with a camphoraceous note. Intense and aromatic.

Harvest

Leaves can be harvested continuously. Aroma is most intense before flowering.

Processing

Drying (air or dehydrator)Freezing (whole leaves or chopped in oil/water)Infusing in oil or vinegarMaking herb salt or butter

After harvest

Gently wash harvested leaves and pat dry. Use immediately or prepare for storage.

Notes

Sage should be used sparingly as its flavor can be very dominant. It develops its aroma best when cooked briefly or sautéed in hot fat.

Edibility & safety

common sage Edibility & safety

For people

In brief: which parts are edible, which parts remain risky, and whether raw consumption makes sense.

Edible parts:Leaves, Young shoots, Flowers (sparingly)
Caution parts:Concentrated essential oils
Raw consumption:Yes, but due to its intense flavor, usually used in small amounts or finely chopped.

Safety notes

Sage contains thujone, which can be toxic in high doses. No adverse effects are expected with normal culinary use. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals with epilepsy should avoid consuming sage tea or concentrated extracts.

Animal safety

For animals, the specific plant part matters here: some parts may be suitable, while others should be avoided. At least one critical rating is listed for 5 animal types.

Animal safety by plant part

Each row shows which parts are more suitable and which parts are critical.

Companion animals

Dog icon for animal safety ratingDog

Leaves, Young shoots

Concentrated essential oils

Risk factors

Concentrated extracts or essential oils, Excessive consumption, Epilepsy predisposition

Symptoms

Vomiting, Diarrhea, Tremors

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Common sage (Salvia officinalis) contains thujone, which can be neurotoxic in high doses. Normal culinary amounts of leaves, young shoots, or flowers are generally tolerated by dogs and may occasionally be used as a feed additive or treat. Concentrated essential oils or extracts should be avoided due to thujone content, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and in rare cases seizures if overdosed. When used…

Open animal page
Cat icon for animal safety ratingCat

Leaves, Young shoots

Concentrated essential oils

Risk factors

Excessive consumption, Concentrated extracts

Symptoms

Vomiting, Gastrointestinal upset

observe

Common sage (Salvia officinalis) contains thujone, which can be toxic in high doses. With normal culinary use, leaves, young shoots, and flowers in small amounts are safe for cats. Concentrated essential oils should be avoided. Ingestion of large amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset.

Open animal page
Rabbit icon for animal safety ratingRabbit

Leaves, Young shoots

Concentrated essential oils

Risk factors

High doses of essential oils, Pregnancy, Epilepsy susceptibility

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea with overdose

observe

Common sage (Salvia officinalis) is suitable for rabbits in small amounts as a treat. The leaves contain essential oils and thujone, which can cause gastrointestinal upset if overconsumed. Young shoots and flowers are preferred. Concentrated oils or extracts should be avoided.

Open animal page
Guinea pig icon for animal safety ratingGuinea pig

Leaves, Young shoots

Concentrated essential oils

Risk factors

Excessive consumption, Concentrated extracts, Thujone content

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea

observe

Common sage (Salvia officinalis) contains thujone, which can be toxic in high doses. Normal leaves, young shoots, and flowers are safe for guinea pigs in small amounts, but concentrated essential oils should be avoided. Due to its intense flavor, sage is usually consumed only in small amounts by guinea pigs. Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset. No specific long-term studies on guinea pigs available…

Open animal page
Hamster icon for animal safety ratingHamster

Leaves, Young shoots

Concentrated essential oils

Risk factors

High doses, Concentrated extracts, Essential oils

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Sage contains thujone, which can be toxic in high doses. No adverse effects are expected with normal culinary use. For hamsters, only small amounts of fresh leaves should be given as an occasional treat. Concentrated essential oils should be avoided.

Open animal page
Budgie icon for animal safety ratingBudgie

Leaves, Young shoots

Concentrated essential oils

Risk factors

High thujone concentration in essential oils, Excessive consumption, Use of extracts instead of fresh herb

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea with overdose

observe

Common sage (Salvia officinalis) contains thujone, which can be toxic in high doses. For budgies, small amounts of fresh leaves, young shoots, or flowers are generally safe as an occasional treat. Concentrated essential oils should be avoided. Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset. Monitor the bird for symptoms and consult an avian veterinarian if issues persist.

Open animal page

Farm animals

Horse icon for animal safety ratingHorse

Leaves, Young shoots

Concentrated essential oils

Risk factors

Excessive consumption, Use of concentrated extracts or essential oils

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Restlessness, At very high doses: seizures

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Common sage (Salvia officinalis) contains thujone, which can be toxic in high doses. Normal amounts of fresh or dried leaves are generally tolerated by horses and may even support digestion. Concentrated forms such as essential oils should be avoided.

Open animal page
Chicken icon for animal safety ratingChicken

No suitable parts listed

No risk parts listed

unknown

Normal amounts of fresh or dried leaves are safe for chickens and can be fed as a herbal supplement. Concentrated essential oils or high doses of thujone-containing preparations can be toxic and should be avoided.

Open animal page
Duck icon for animal safety ratingDuck

Leaves, Young shoots

Concentrated essential oils

Risk factors

Excessive consumption, Concentrated extracts

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea

observe

Common sage (Salvia officinalis) contains thujone, which can be toxic in high doses. The leaves, young shoots, and flowers are safe for ducks in small amounts and can be occasionally offered as a treat. Concentrated essential oils should be avoided as they increase the risk of thujone poisoning. With normal culinary use, no adverse effects are expected. If signs of gastrointestinal upset occur, feeding should be…

Open animal page
Goose icon for animal safety ratingGoose

Leaves, Young shoots

Concentrated essential oils

Risk factors

High doses, Concentrated extracts, Prolonged feeding

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea

observe

Sage contains thujone, which can be toxic in high doses. Leaves, young shoots, and flowers can be fed in small amounts as treats, concentrated essential oils should be avoided. With normal culinary use, no adverse effects are expected. Pregnant geese should avoid consumption. Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal upset. No species-specific sources for geese found, classification based on general plant…

Open animal page
Sheep icon for animal safety ratingSheep

Leaves, Young shoots

Concentrated essential oils

Risk factors

Pregnancy, Lactation, Epilepsy

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Sage contains thujone, which can be toxic in high doses. No adverse effects are expected with normal culinary use. Pregnant, lactating sheep and animals with epilepsy should avoid concentrated extracts. Leaves and young shoots can be given in small amounts as supplemental feed.

Open animal page
Goat icon for animal safety ratingGoat

Leaves, Young shoots

Concentrated essential oils

Risk factors

High doses, Concentrated extracts, Long-term feeding

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea

observe

Sage contains thujone, which can be toxic in high doses. Leaves, young shoots, and flowers can be fed in small amounts, but concentrated essential oils should be avoided. Overdose may cause gastrointestinal upset. Pregnant and lactating goats should not receive sage.

Open animal page
Cattle icon for animal safety ratingCattle

Leaves, Young shoots

Concentrated essential oils

Risk factors

High doses, Concentrated extracts, Long-term feeding

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Sage contains thujone, which can be toxic in high doses. No adverse effects are expected with normal culinary use. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals with epilepsy should avoid consuming sage tea or concentrated extracts. For cattle, limited feeding of leaves and young shoots as supplemental feed is tolerated, but overdosage should be avoided. Concentrated essential oils should be avoided.

Open animal page
Pig icon for animal safety ratingPig

Leaves, Young shoots

Concentrated essential oils

Risk factors

High doses of essential oils, Use of concentrated extracts, Long-term feeding

Symptoms

Vomiting, Diarrhea, Tremors

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Sage contains thujone, which can be toxic in high doses. No adverse effects are expected with normal culinary use. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals with epilepsy should avoid consuming sage tea or concentrated extracts. For pigs, feeding is recommended only in small amounts as supplemental feed, as higher doses can lead to gastrointestinal upset and neurological symptoms.

Open animal page

These guidelines are for general information only and do not replace veterinary diagnosis. If critical plant parts were ingested or the animal shows unusual behaviour or symptoms, seek veterinary advice.

Max risk

unknown

Highest status

do not feed

Urgency

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Saving seed

common sage Saving seed

Seed viability

3 - 5 years

Method

Allow flower heads to dry on the plant. Cut off the dry seed heads and release seeds by rubbing or shaking. Remove chaff.

Notes

Sage is a light germinator; seeds should only be lightly covered with soil.

Practical tips

common sage Practical tips

Common beginner mistakes

Overwatering, too little sun, no pruning, leading to a woody, unproductive bush.Planting in heavy, impermeable soils that promote waterlogging.

Success pattern

Sunny, well-drained location, sparse watering, annual spring pruning. Rewarded with abundant harvests of aromatic leaves.Established plants are very robust and tolerate drier periods well.

High-impact tips

The most important tip is spring pruning: cut the plant back vigorously to stimulate new growth and maintain its shape.Ensure good drainage in the soil to prevent root rot – this is crucial for longevity.

Grower observations

Sage is surprisingly low-maintenance as long as it gets enough sun and no waterlogging. Spring pruning is invaluable for leaf production.The different varieties offer great ornamental value, but 'Berggarten' remains my favorite for the kitchen due to its intense aroma.

Plant Profile

Additional plant images

common sage (Salvia officinalis): whole plant for plant portrait - Herbs, Mint family, Harvest May - October
common sage (Salvia officinalis): whole plant for plant portrait - Herbs, Mint family, Harvest May - October
common sage (Salvia officinalis): whole plant for plant portrait - Herbs, Mint family, Harvest May - October

Health

Pests, Diseases

Plant health

AphidsSpider mitesSlugsPowdery mildewRoot rotDowny mildewNitrogen deficiencyIron deficiencyWaterloggingFrost damage

Diagnosis help

common sage Diagnosis help

Pest groups

Sucking insects (aphids, spider mites)Chewing pests (slugs/snails)

Disease groups

Fungal diseases (mildew, root rot)

Prevention

Choose a site with full sun and good air circulation.Ensure well-drained soil, absolutely avoid waterlogging.Maintain adequate plant spacing.Protect young plants from severe frost.Regular, but not excessive, pruning to promote growth and aroma.

Diagnosis

Look for leaf discoloration, wilting, or visible pests. Most problems with sage are due to improper watering or lack of air circulation.

Cultural prevention

Location: Full sun and good air circulation are essential.Soil: Well-drained, rather lean soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.Watering: Water sparingly, absolutely avoid waterlogging. Sage is drought-tolerant.Spacing: Allow sufficient space between plants to ensure air circulation.Pruning: Regular pruning in spring promotes bushy growth and prevents woodiness.Winter Protection: In harsh climates or for young plants, apply winter protection (brushwood, fleece).

Monitoring

Regular inspection of leaves for discoloration, spots, or pests.Pay special attention during humid weather or dry spells.

First response

For fungal infections: Remove affected plant parts, treat with organic sprays (e.g., horsetail decoction) if necessary.For pest infestations: Mechanical removal (rinsing), use of beneficial insects or organic sprays (e.g., neem oil, soapy water).

Diagnostic rules

White, powdery spots on leaves and stems

Possible causes: Powdery mildew

  • Check air circulation
  • Verify plant spacing

Plant wilts, leaves turn yellow, despite adequate moisture

Possible causes: Root rot

  • Check soil moisture and drainage
  • Inspect root area for rot

Small insects on shoot tips, sticky leaves

Possible causes: Aphids

  • Check undersides of leaves
  • Observe for beneficial insects

Fine webbing on leaves, yellowish speckles

Possible causes: Spider mites

  • Check undersides of leaves
  • Increase humidity

FAQ

When is the best time to prune sage?

The main pruning is done in spring after the last frosts, when new growth begins. A light trim is also possible after flowering in summer.

Why is my sage becoming woody and sparse?

Sage becomes woody with age. Regular pruning in spring promotes bushy growth and the production of fresh leaves. Without pruning, it will become bare from the inside.

Can I grow sage in a pot?

Yes, sage is excellent for container growing. Ensure good drainage and a sufficiently large pot (at least 10 liters volume).

How often do I need to water sage?

Sage is drought-tolerant. Once established, water only during prolonged dry spells. Absolutely avoid waterlogging.

Is common sage safe for Dog?

common sage is classified as moderation only for Dog. Risk: unknown. Urgency: contact a vet if symptoms appear. Common sage (Salvia officinalis) contains thujone, which can be neurotoxic in high doses. Normal culinary amounts of leaves, young shoots, or flowers are generally tolerated by dogs and may occasionally be used as a feed additive or treat. Concentrated essential oils or extracts should be avoided due to thujone content, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and in rare cases seizures if overdosed. When used…

Is common sage safe for Cat?

common sage is classified as moderation only for Cat. Risk: unknown. Urgency: observe. Common sage (Salvia officinalis) contains thujone, which can be toxic in high doses. With normal culinary use, leaves, young shoots, and flowers in small amounts are safe for cats. Concentrated essential oils should be avoided. Ingestion of large amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset.

Is common sage safe for Rabbit?

common sage is classified as moderation only for Rabbit. Risk: unknown. Urgency: observe. Common sage (Salvia officinalis) is suitable for rabbits in small amounts as a treat. The leaves contain essential oils and thujone, which can cause gastrointestinal upset if overconsumed. Young shoots and flowers are preferred. Concentrated oils or extracts should be avoided.

Is common sage safe for Goose?

common sage is classified as do not feed for Goose. Risk: unknown. Urgency: observe. Sage contains thujone, which can be toxic in high doses. Leaves, young shoots, and flowers can be fed in small amounts as treats, concentrated essential oils should be avoided. With normal culinary use, no adverse effects are expected. Pregnant geese should avoid consumption. Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal upset. No species-specific sources for geese found, classification based on general plant…

Guides

Related guides

Garden guides

Sources

Public sources

  1. Wikidata entity

    Wikidata · 2026-05-15

  2. GBIF species match

    GBIF · 2026-05-15

  3. Deutschsprachige Wikipedia: Echter Salbei

    Wikipedia · 2026-05-15

  4. English Wikipedia: Salvia officinalis

    Wikipedia · 2026-05-15

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