Preparation:
Labiatae family Language and mythology: The name sage comes from the Latin salvere or salvation meaning 'to be in good health, to cure, to save.' Sage was a sacred ceremonial herb of the Romans. It was associated with immortality and was thought to increase mental capacity in ancient times, as referenced in the proverb, "How can a man grow old who has sage in his garden." Sage is found on many continents. The Chinese valued it for use in teas, and the American Indians used it for medicinal purposes. Description: Sage has square, downy stems that become woody after the second year. The paired leaves are 2 inches long and grayish green with soft, velvety hairs and pronounced veining underneath. Yellow blotches appear on old leaves. The deep-throated mauve-blue flowers grow in whorls. They are two-lipped, have a bee-shaped calyx, and are 1/2 to 3/4 inch long. The tiny ovoid seeds are dark brown. Plant type and hardiness: Perennial, hardy evergreen shrub; hardiness zones 4 to 8. Height and width: Height 12 to 30 inches; width to 24 inches. Light and soil: Full sun; fairly rich, light, dry, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.4. Pests and disease: Root rot, slugs, spider mites, spittle bugs, and wilt. Cultivation: Sow in spring and transplant to 2 feet apart when seedlings are 4 inches tall. The site should have well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Keep the soil moist when the seedlings are young. When the plants are well established, water only in dry weather. Companion planting: Sage attracts bees and grows well with rosemary. Sage also helps repel cabbage butterflies and improves the flavor of cabbage.Propagation methodCuttings, layering, division, or seeds. Bloom time and colorJune; mauve-blue, pink, and white. Harvesting: Harvest sage before the plant flowers. Gather sprigs, tie in loose bundles, and hang upside down in a cool, airy place. Branches also may be placed on wire racks in a warm location out of direct sunlight. When the sprigs are dry and brittle, remove the leaves from the stems. Store either whole or crumbled in an airtight container. Fresh sage may be chopped, placed in an ice cube tray with water, and frozen. Herbal uses: Aromatic, cosmetic, culinary, decorative, and medicinal. Sage is used for insect repellent and for fragrance in potpourris. It also is used for infusions to color hair silver and it stimulates the skin in facial steams, baths, and lotions. It flavors vinegars, herbal butter, omelets, soups, and poultry stuffings. Fresh sage is sometimes added to salads. Because it dries well, it is used in herbal wreaths (especially culinary) and nosegays. It can be grown in containers. It is said to have some medicinal qualities |
