Salvia officinalis Growers Friend

Salvia officinalis 'Grower's Friend' is a highly fragrant variety with green leaves and red stems. It is a very hardy perennial plant, both aromatic and decorative. Easy to grow, this plant with medicinal properties can be grown in pots or in the ground. Its intensely fragrant leaves add flavour to fish, poultry, sauces, and vegetables. The plug plants of this variety are produced organically and should be planted in spring. Harvesting can be done from March to October.

Sage has been widely present since the Middle Ages. This perennial plant has a bushy habit and grows to a height of 40 to 60cm (16 to 24in). Its oval, grey-green leaves are highly fragrant. It is a very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F), and can be grown in both vegetable gardens and ornamental gardens. It produces spike-like inflorescences in summer, often with a bluish-purple colour that can vary depending on the variety. Common sage belongs to the Lamiaceae family, just like thyme.

The saying “he who has sage in his garden needs no doctor” demonstrates the medicinal properties of common sage. It is also known as the “saving plant”. Sage is known for its diuretic, tonic, antiseptic, antiperspirant, and antispasmodic properties.

In cooking, fresh or dried leaves add flavour to fish, poultry, sauces, and vegetables. Add the leaves at the end of cooking to preserve their aroma. They can also be used in infusions.

Harvesting: The leaves can be harvested from March to October, ideally in the morning, by cutting the branches. Regular harvesting will promote the growth of new shoots. The fragrance will be more intense in spring, just before flowering.

Storage: Fresh sage leaves can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. For longer storage, you can dry the branches in the shade and keep the leaves in airtight jars for several months.

Gardening tip: In the garden, mix different types of plants by placing sage in the middle of perennial flower beds or even in rock gardens. It will blend in perfectly. The strong scents of aromatic plants can often repel insects that may attack more delicate plants like certain roses.