Common Sage & Clary Sage

Sage is a respected ancient herb used for culinary, medicinal, cosmetic and decorative purposes worldwide. The astringent properties of sage Herb been proven by scientific studies. In cosmetics, it is said to have stimulating and cleansing effect to the scalp and hair. Sage was reputed to provide a person with improved health and a long life. Today it does not seem to be valued as much, either by cooks or by herbalists but it is certainly a very pretty and decorative herb, especially the various colored types. There are hundreds of varieties of Salvia. Most are flowering ornamentals, bug some are ornamental culinary herbs as well. Garden sage is a hands on plant with oval gray-green leaves and attractive lavender flowers. Its flavor is strong and fresh. Many people use dried sage, which is unfortunate because the flavor it it fresh is far superior. As an ingredient in the Thanksgiving turkey stuffing, it is legendary; for some , that may be the only time it is used. Sage is good with all poultry, breads, sausages, cheese and herb butters. Many chefs are creating new ways to make the use of the refreshing flavor. The thick leaves are usually stripped from the stem and chopped fine. The tops or whole leaves can also be used as a garnish. For cooking, the regular garden sage is the best. MAMMOTH SAGE has larger and good culinary taste.

Dwarf Sage has good flavor. Zones 5- 8. Full sun to particle shade. Like well-drained garden soil.

Sage is an easy plant to grow. Shrubby perennial with aromatic foliage used fresh and dried in cooling and in herbal medicines. The velvety texture and small blue flowers add a soft accent to the garden. Trim back in early spring to encourage vigorous bushy new growth. Plants may decline after several years. Sage may improve the growth and flavor or cabbage, carrots, strawberries and tomatoes and marjoram. It may stunt the growth of cucumbers, rue and onions. Flowers in spring, tubular purple flowers in whorled spikes. Rarely bothered by pests and diseases. Snip fresh leaves as needed or bunch them and hang to dry for use during winter months. A branch of strongly aromatic sage is a fragrant addition to a sweater drawer or blanket chest and it may help keep clothes moths away. In northern climates, sage is hardy and should survive harsh winter conditions. After three or four hard frosts, mulch the plants with a thick layer of straw and hay. Gradually remove the mulch as the weather warms in late winter or early spring. A side dressing of fertilizer or compost will help the plant to grow back vigorously. In the first year of growth, the plant may not reach harvestable size for 10 to 12 weeks. This period will be even long if the plant is started by seed. In the next year, they will be ready to cut four weeks after new growth appears in the spring.

Wash sage very gently by swishing the leaves in cool water. Garnish of the colored sages should be cut individually. The tops are are very full and could be crushed if more than a few are held in the hand at the same time.