Foglia Larga Maxima

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Lamiaceae or Labiate

Order

Lamiales

Genus

Sage

Species

officinalis

Description

Defined as 'sacred herb' by the ancient Romans, sage is one of the most popular aromatic plants, thanks to its leaves with their characteristic aroma, in different areas of use, from culinary to phytotherapeutic and cosmetic. A perennial with a bushy habit and abundant branching, it is easy to grow, preferring Soil free of waterlogging and balanced fertilisation. Suitable for mild climates but tolerant to short periods of cold weather.

Species video

https://youtu.be/lB-vBoaREk8

Variety description

This is an excellent variety of sage that is particularly widespread and cultivated by both professional growers and hobbyists. It differs from the ‘officinalis’ variety in that its leaves are wider and it grows more vigorously; the flavour and taste of the leaves are, in this case too, distinctive and unmistakable. The plant itself is one of the most widely cultivated herbs and is quite hardy. It is an excellent honey plant that gives off a distinctive aroma. It is easy to grow and does not require much care. Occasional pruning is beneficial to ensure consistent production. Flowering takes place in spring and summer.

Curiosities and special features

The plant’s phytotherapeutic value is also evident from the generic epithet itself, Salvia, which derives from the Latin *sálvo* – meaning ‘to save’ or ‘to heal’ – in reference to the medicinal properties attributed to it, as well as from the specific epithet, derived from the Latin *officina*, signifying its pharmaceutical or medicinal use.

Sage leaves, rich in antioxidants, minerals and vitamins, are widely used in traditional Mediterranean cuisine; furthermore, sage oil is recommended for treating fungal infections, dermatitis and acne.

Origin and distribution

A species native to the Mediterranean basin, known since ancient times for its use in folk medicine due to its therapeutic properties, such as its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects; today, the available varieties – distinguished by their growth habit as well as by the size and colour of their foliage – have become naturalised almost everywhere in the world.

Flower size

The flower is singularly medium in size, united in a larger inflorescence.

Leaf

Leafs, with an intense aroma, have a lanceolate, oval, elongated lamina that is typically tomentose.

Fruit

The leaf has a tender texture and measures between 3 and 7 cm in length; it is available for harvesting throughout the year. The colour is uniform across the entire surface. From a sensory perspective, the flavour is aromatic, robust and intense, whilst the aroma is very fragrant with a penetrating scent; the flavour is characterised by fresh and strong notes. In terms of quality, the leaf is distinguished by its good shelf life and is of good overall quality, representing a variety with intermediate organoleptic characteristics according to the technical assessment.

Flowering period

The flowering period lasts from mid-spring to late spring and lasts between 25 and 30 days.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence spike.

Leaf colour

Solid colours.

Plant height

The plant’s height ranges from 0.5 to 0.7 m.

Lifespan

Perennial plant.

Where to plant

Easy to grow, suitable as bedding plants , balcony plants , large pots, open field, terraces, outdoor tubs

Stem

The stem is semi-woody; the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is shaped with a labial or bilabiate corolla of medium size and single-coloured petals. It is arranged in spike-like inflorescences of medium size. It blooms from mid to late spring, with a flowering period of between 25 and 30 days. It has unmistakable notes and is lightly scented, with a penetrating aroma. It is attractive to bees, butterflies and bumblebees.

Growth

A vigorous variety; it reaches its full size when mature.

Plant habit

Growht habit is bushy.

Branching

Itsabundant branching adds value to this variety, which has an excellent yield.

PH

For sage, the ideal pH of the soil or medium is relatively broad, ranging from slightly acidic to alkaline, between 6.0 and 8.2. Soils that are too acidic should be avoided.

Soil preparation

To prepare the soil for transplanting, it is advisable to dig to a depth of 20–30 cm, removing any weeds, residues from previous crops and large stones, then work in organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser, taking care to break up any coarse, compacted clods. To improve drainage of excess water and prevent waterlogging, proceed by creating a slightly raised bed through gentle ridging, where the seedlings will be transplanted at a suitable planting spacing; finally, level the surface carefully.

Throughout the growing season, continue to work the top 2/5 cm of soil by hoeing to remove weeds growing near the crop and break up any surface crust, thereby improving water retention.

Sun exposure

Suitable for exposure in half shade, full sun, afternoon sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 15 and 30 °C; it prefers mild, sunny climates but can withstand short periods of cold weather.

Use

This variety is widely valued across a broad range of applications, such as:

Agri-food Cosmetics Medicinal / phytotherapeutic sector Perfumery Aromatics

Hardiness

A variety with medium to high hardiness, it is highly adaptable and does not require any special cultivation care.

Soil

It adapts to different soil conditions, however, the ideal Growth medium textured soil is Amended, well draining and not too acidic; for cultivation in pots or planters, a horticultural soil based on blond and brown peat is recommended.

Difficulty

Cultivation is extremely easy for professionals and hobbyists alike, requiring an overall low level of management effort.

Growing tips

To achieve excellent vegetative growth, the following measures and cultivation practices are recommended:

Balanced fertilisation Avoid over-watering Proper pruning

Intercropping/combination

During the first year of Growth, intercropping/combination with French bean and fennel is recommended.

Combinations with other plants

Also suitable in compositions mixed with other aromatic plants or with ornamental Flower Species to give a unique accent to flowerbeds or borders. When transplanting, consider the Growht habit and height attained by each individual plant for well-proportioned and harmonious final results.

Planting

When transplanting into a raised bed, prepare the planting holes in advance, spacing each plant correctly to ensure they can grow as vigorously as possible; taking into account the size they will reach when mature, we recommend an average density of 8 plants per square metre. Use seedlings with intact, white roots, removing them from the container without damaging them and placing them in a raised bed with the growing tip above the soil surface; water immediately after planting.

Pruning

It is advisable to harvest before flowering, as this is when the plant produces the most; on average, 2–3 harvests are carried out each year.

You should also carry out maintenance pruning by making clean cuts to remove any dry or diseased parts of the plant.

Propagation

Propagation can be carried out by sowing seeds in containers or by taking cuttings.

Repotting

Repotting in late spring if the plant shows stunted Growth with roots completely enveloping the medium; use a larger pot size with suitable potting soil.

Watering

Sage is a plant that thrives in soil conditions that are not overly moist. Use rainwater, or alternatively water from a canal or mains supply with an optimal neutral pH, applying it manually or via a sprinkler, subsurface or drip irrigation system. When transplanting, take special care of the plant, as it may be more susceptible to water stress in its new location; maintain a constant level of soil moisture without overwatering, and prevent waterlogging. Thereafter, allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, keeping it slightly moist but avoiding periods of dryness; it is advisable not to wet the above-ground parts of the plant in the late afternoon or evening to prevent the spread of plant diseases, and to water after harvesting. The water requirements of the sage plant are relatively low, but it is important to meet its water needs, particularly during the hottest and driest days.

If sowing seeds, moisten them to aid germination; furthermore, after burying them completely and covering them with a layer of growing medium and inert material, keep the soil moist until the shoots emerge.

Fertilising

When preparing the soil prior to planting, apply a base dressing by working organo-mineral fertiliser into the soil. Subsequently, it is advisable to use a water-soluble fertiliser specifically designed for vegetable crops, to be diluted in the irrigation water and applied to the soil or growing medium at appropriate dosages and intervals, depending on the plant’s requirements and the availability of nutrients in the soil at different stages of the growing cycle. Sage has no particular fertilisation requirements; however, it is advisable to increase the frequency of application, particularly during the summer months.

Edibility for humans

Leafs, properly picked and washed, are edible.

Tip

It is advisable not to overwater, as this may impair the organoleptic properties and flavour of the sage. Take care to guard against the possible onset of various diseases, chief amongst which is powdery mildew. With regard to intercropping, it is advisable to practise this only in the first year, as in subsequent years the sage reaches a size that makes any form of intercropping impossible.