Sage Maxima

The most common killer of sage during winter is not the frost itself, but root rot caused by waterlogging. If the plant is set in heavy, clay soil that retains rainwater in winter, the roots easily begin to rot. You can solve this problem by planting the seedling on a slight slope or in a raised bed from the start and significantly aerating the soil with sand or gravel.

The 'Maxima' cultivar is truly exceptional due to the size of its leaves. Its magnificent, velvety grey-green leaves grow up to three times larger than those of standard sage. This makes it ideal for gardeners who use sage primarily in the kitchen or for drying, as the seedling soon grows into a shrub that provides a much larger and more bountiful harvest.

Common sage is generally not considered toxic or dangerous to dogs or cats. Animals typically do not find highly aromatic herbs very appealing, so they naturally ignore them and do not nibble on them. When growing it in your garden, you don't need to worry about your four-legged companions; only the consumption of a truly large amount of leaves could cause mild digestive issues.

Absolutely! Salvia officinalis 'Maxima' is an excellent and rewarding choice even for absolute beginners. If you provide it with two essential things – plenty of sun and well-draining soil – it will grow almost on its own and will soon reward you with huge, wonderfully fragrant leaves.

We recommend planting the seedlings 40 cm apart. Ideally, 6 to 10 plants will fit per square meter. This spacing ensures that each shrub has enough room to grow while also allowing air to circulate freely around it, which is important for preventing mildew.

This perennial is highly frost-hardy and can easily withstand temperatures down to -23.3 °C (zone 6a). Therefore, winter frost alone will not harm it. However, what it absolutely cannot tolerate is excessive winter moisture. If you have it in well-drained soil, it will overwinter without any issues. In heavier soils, it is good to add gravel or evergreen boughs around the roots to keep rain off and prevent standing water from accumulating.

Sage is a low-maintenance perennial that prefers drier soil that is not overly rich in nutrients. Water the seedling regularly after planting until it is well-established. An adult shrub can easily handle longer periods of drought, so only water it when the soil has dried out completely. Be very careful with fertilizers – over-fertilizing with nitrogen may cause rapid growth, but the plant will lose its intense aroma and become much more susceptible to frost damage.

Yes, regular pruning is key to maintaining a compact and dense bush shape. Always perform the main pruning in spring (March to April), once the harsh winter frosts have finally passed. Cut the plant back to about half or a third of its height. Be careful, however, not to cut too deeply into the old, heavily woody stems, as the sage will struggle to sprout from there.

Sage is generally a very hardy plant, and our cultivar boasts exceptional vitality. It typically suffers from no serious diseases or pests 🙂. Furthermore, its strong aromatic oils act as a natural repellent, keeping many unwelcome insect visitors at bay. The only danger it faces is the aforementioned waterlogging of the soil, which leads to mold.

You can harvest the giant leaves of the 'Maxima' cultivar continuously throughout the growing season. However, for the most intense aroma, it is ideal to do the main harvest just before the plant begins to bloom fully. It is best to collect them on a dry, sunny morning when they contain the most essential oils. If you want to retain as much flavor in the leaves as possible throughout the summer, we recommend regularly removing any forming flowers.

Certainly! The sturdy stems of the 'Maxima' sage are excellent for cutting for summer bouquets, where they stay fresh for approximately one week. In addition, you can also use them for floristry by drying them for autumn and winter decorations, as they hold their shape and color beautifully even after drying.

The entire plant is edible, and sage is a true staple in international cuisine. Its large and highly aromatic leaves are excellent for fatty meats (such as pork or duck) because they significantly aid digestion. It is also perfect for making homemade herb butter, for pasta and gnocchi, or for preparing medicinal tea blends for colds and sore throats.

Yes, even though we grow it mainly for its huge leaves, the bush becomes covered in stunning blue to purple flowers during June and July. These flowers are a huge draw for various pollinators, so your garden will soon fill with bees and bumblebees after they bloom 🐝.

Yes, the 'Maxima' sage is absolutely perfect for growing in containers! However, when planting in a pot, keep a few important principles in mind: place a thick layer of drainage (such as expanded clay or gravel) at the bottom, use a potting mix blended with sand to ensure quick water drainage, and make sure the pot has adequate drainage holes at the bottom.

Sage originates from the dry regions of the Mediterranean, which is why it loves full sun. Find the sunniest spot in your garden for it, ideally one with a southern exposure. As for the soil, it prefers leaner, sandy to gravelly soil that is very well-drained. It would not thrive at all in heavy, waterlogged soils.

Once your purchased seedling grows into a strong shrub, the easiest way to propagate it is through summer cuttings. During the summer months, cut off young, non-woody tip shoots about 10 cm long, carefully remove the lower leaves, and stick them into moist substrate mixed with sand. They root quite readily, and you will soon have new plants.