What did the Romans do for us?... (Sage)

Member Name: woodlice

Product:	Sage
Date:	16/04/01 (167 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Tolerates most soils even clay

Disadvantages: Can with time become woody - so needs to be replaced every three to four years with cuttings.

Sage is originally a Mediterranean plant, possibly brought over by the Romans, and also brought over by the French to English monasteries during the Middle ages.
During these times it was recognised as a useful medicinal plant and used as a physic herb.
Sage is recognised by it's grey/green leaves that have a rough cloth like texture and will mature to silvery grey, especially in a dry summer. It has an instantly recognisable pungent aroma that is commonly used as a mixture with onion to stuff turkey. There are a few varieties available such as purple sage, (especially good for gargling to cure sore throats) and pineapple sage.
Sage grows particularly well in light chalky soil but is also one of the few herbs that will tolerate heavy clay soils provided that there is reasonable drainage. They do require a sunny position.
After buying a pot grown plant it needs to be planted out in a suitable position. For the first year there will not be much growth so there will not be much to cut. Subsequent years will require frequent cutting that will keep the plant bushy.
If the plant has become leggy it may be cut back in spring, but be careful that the wood is not too old as it may not shoot again. If this is the case then it is best to start again with a fresh plant or to take cuttings. These need to be taken every three to four years to ensure that the plant does not become too woody. Cuttings will root easily in water, particularly the younger shoots. They are best taken a year before they are needed to allow the plant to become established before planting out to replace an old plant.
Sage is especially resistant to most common garden pests. It can also be grown in a pot on a sunny kitchen windowsill.
Sage is best picked for drying on a sunny day when the dew has evaporated off. Leaves can be dried on brown paper in a warm sunny spot or small branches hung upside down in an airy place, allowing free movement of air to prevent the lea
ves dampening off and going mouldy.

Summary: