Sage golden

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Golden sage thrives in full sun, which enhances both leaf colour and flavour. It will tolerate light shade but may become less vibrant.

• Soil Preferences: Prefers well-drained soil—sandy or loamy types are ideal. Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils as they can cause root rot.

• pH Range: Best grown in neutral to slightly alkaline soils (pH 6.5–7.5).

• Moisture Needs: Drought-tolerant once established, but water regularly during the first growing season to help roots develop.

• Planting Time: Plant in spring after the last frost or early summer for best results.

• Spacing: Allow 30–45 cm between plants to ensure airflow and prevent fungal diseases.

• Container Growing: Excellent for pots, troughs, or herb planters. Use a gritty, free-draining compost and position in a sunny spot.

• Positioning Tips: Perfect for herb gardens, sunny borders, or as a colourful edging plant. Works well alongside lavender, rosemary, and thyme in Mediterranean-style plantings.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering: Water sparingly once plants are established, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, especially in cool weather.

• Feeding: Golden sage is not a heavy feeder. Apply a light dose of organic fertilizer or liquid seaweed feed in spring to encourage healthy growth.

• Pruning:

  • Trim back lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape and prevent woodiness.

  • Avoid cutting into old woody stems, as regrowth can be slow.

• Harvesting: Pick leaves as needed throughout the growing season. For the strongest flavour, harvest in the morning after dew has dried.

• Flowering Control: Flowers are attractive to pollinators but can reduce leaf quality. Pinch off flower spikes if growing mainly for culinary use.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally pest-free, though watch for aphids or fungal leaf spot in damp conditions. Good air circulation helps prevent problems.

• Winter Care: Hardy perennial (UK H4). In colder areas, mulch around the base in late autumn for added protection. In very wet winters, consider moving container plants to a sheltered location.

• Propagation: Best propagated by semi-ripe cuttings in summer or by division in spring.

Flavour, Uses, and Garden Value

• Flavour Profile: Golden sage has the same rich, earthy taste as common sage, with a slightly milder edge and a beautiful variegated golden-green foliage.

• Culinary Uses:

  • Excellent for flavouring meats, especially pork, poultry, and game.

  • Ideal for stuffing, stews, pasta dishes, and herb butter.

  • Leaves can be used fresh or dried; drying intensifies the flavour.

• Herbal Uses: Traditionally used in herbal teas for its soothing and digestive properties. Also valued for its antimicrobial qualities.

• Ornamental Value: Variegated golden-green leaves add a splash of colour to borders and containers, making it both decorative and edible.

• Pollinator Friendly: Produces purple-blue flowers in early summer, attracting bees and butterflies.

• Companion Planting: Helps deter pests such as cabbage moths when planted near brassicas. Combines well with other drought-tolerant herbs in mixed plantings.

• Design Uses:

  • Works beautifully as a low hedge in herb gardens.

  • Adds visual contrast in mixed borders.

  • Complements silver-leaved plants like lavender for a harmonious look.

• Yield and Longevity: A long-lived, hardy herb that will provide both culinary flavour and ornamental interest for many years with minimal care.

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.