How to grow sage in a raised bed

Sage is a handsome, hardy Mediterranean herb with soft grey-green leaves and a warm, savoury flavour. Give it sun and drainage in a raised bed and it'll reward you for years.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun
• Spacing: 45–60 cm apart
• Tub depth: our 23 cm+ depth; good drainage
• Time to harvest: pick once established

When should I plant sage?

Sage is a perennial — plant in spring or autumn for years of leaf. Our free garden calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

• Subtropical (Brisbane & SEQ): March to May and August to September
• Temperate (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth): March to April and September to November
• Cool & mountain (Tasmania, Canberra, highlands): October to November
• Tropical (Cairns, Darwin): May to June
• Arid inland: March to April and September to October

How do I grow sage in a raised bed?

Plant into free-draining mix in full sun and go easy on feeding — lush, forced growth is weak and flavourless. Prune after flowering to keep it compact.

How often should I water and feed sage?

Water to establish, then only in dry spells. Sage rots in constantly wet soil, so a raised bed suits it.

What pests attack sage?

Keep an eye out for aphids and whiteflies — though most herbs are pleasingly pest-resistant. See our safe pest guide.

What are the common problems with sage?

The main one to watch is powdery mildew and downy mildew, usually from damp, crowded conditions. Good airflow and morning watering prevent most.

What grows well with sage?

A good companion to carrots, brassicas and rosemary; keep it away from cucumbers. See our companion planting guide.

When do I harvest sage?

Pick leaves as you need them, year-round. The flavour is best before flowering; dry surplus leaves in an airy spot.

More growing guides: rosemary, thyme and oregano.

Plan your patch: our free garden calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.