History and Tradition
Sage is a native of the Mediterranean region and has been used for thousands of years. It has been cultivated in northern Europe since medieval times, was introduced to North America in the 17th century and was well known to the ancient Egyptians who used it to increase fertility.
In 1615 Gervase Markham wrote The English Housewife, a handbook for housewives containing "all the virtuous knowledges and actions both of the mind and body, which ought to be in any complete housewife." In this book he offers forth a recipe for sage tooth whitening scrub “for teeth that are yellow”.
Description
Salvia officinalis is a perennial, evergreen, woody shrub with soft grey green leaves which are highly aromatic. Blue flowers follow in summer (although it is possible to grow a pink flowering version). S. officinalis ‘Icterina’ is an attractive golden variegated form whilst S.o. ‘Purpurascens’ (Purple Sage) has soft purple foliage with irregular pink splashes. Tricolour Sage is less vigorous and has, as its name suggests, tricoloured foliage - its leaves having pink, cream and green variegations.
Uses
Thought by herbalists for centuries to be a tonic for the brain modern scientific trials have found that oil derived from this herb does help improve the memory and trials continue into its effectiveness as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.
In the kitchen sage is indispensable. It is used to flavour cheeses, stuffings, sausages and even eels. The leaves can be made into a tea.
Site
Sage grows naturally in hot, dry conditions and so in the garden environment it is essential that they have good drainage to survive wet winters. Give plants plenty of space and ensure good air circulation, especially around the base of the plant.
Propagation
Sow seeds of S. officinalis in early spring under cover at 18°C. Germination is reasonably quick – 1-2 weeks. Seeds can be sown outside in late spring. Sage roots easily and softwood cuttings can be taken in spring and summer. Alternatively divide or layer plants in autumn or spring.
Maintenance
To encourage new growth lightly prune in spring and again after flowering. Mildew can be a problem in damp weather – be sure to clear away any dead leaves under the plant to ensure air circulation is kept to the maximum. Sages generally become woody and straggly over time and it is recommended that they are replaced every 4-7 years.
