Sage
Salvia officinalis
Perennial - Zones 5-9.
Sow directly in the garden 1/8" deep, in late spring. Thin to 2 feet apart when seedlings are 4" tall. Prefers well-drained soil in full sun. Keep the soil moist when the seedlings are young. Once established, prune the plants severely in the spring to keep them from setting seed, and replace them every 3 years or so, as they will become less productive and somewhat woody. Harvest sage before the plant flowers. Gather sprigs, tie in a loose bundle and hang upside down in a cool, airy place. Do not dry in direct sunlight. When the sprigs are dry and brittle, remove the leaves from the stems. Store either crumbled or whole in airtight containers.
