How to Harvest Sage for a Continuous Supply of Delicious Herbs, According to Gardening Experts

Sage (Salvia officinalis) is an aromatic, semi-woody perennial shrub that is an incredible addition to your garden or windowsill herb collection. This plant has a strong fragrance that keeps pests at bay, and once it flowers, it attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies to your landscape.

To keep sage healthy and abundant, harvesting it regularly is essential. To help you do so correctly, we spoke to gardening experts who explain how to harvest sage leaves and stems as well as how to dry and store them.

When to Harvest Sage

The best time to harvest sage is in late spring or early summer before the plant flowers. "This is when the leaves are most flavorful and aromatic," says Alexander Betz, landscape designer for Plant by Number. "Harvest in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day to capture the highest concentration of essential oils."

You'll know your sage is ready to be harvested when the leaves look large, full, and vibrant in color, says Betz. He adds that you should wait until the plant is established and has grown enough to sustain harvest. If harvesting sage grown indoors, you can snip off a few pieces as needed.

How to Harvest Sage

Harvesting sage is easy. Remove individual leaves by plucking them with your thumb and forefinger. Or remove an entire sprig using clean, sharp pruners to cut a stem just above a leaf node.

Harvesting sage regularly encourages growth, but avoid taking more than one-third of the plant at a time in its first year, says Sally McCabe, associate director of community education for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. In its second year of growth, once the plant turns woody, you can take more.

How to Dry Sage

There are a few easy ways to dry sage. No matter the method you choose, always start by cleaning the sprigs and patting them dry to remove dirt, dust, or bugs, says McCabe.

Hang Sage to Dry

To hang dry sage, bundle four to six springs with string and hang them upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight, says Betz. Do not bundle too many sprigs at a time, as this increases the possibility of mold growth. The sage is dry when the leaves crumble in your hands.

Dry Sage in a Microwave

The quickest way to dry sage is in a microwave, says McCabe. For this method, space leaves so they're not touching on a paper towel. Place the paper towel on a microwave-safe plate and cover with another paper towel. Heat for 30 seconds at a time, turning the leaves after each interval. Sage is fully dried when the leaves crumble easily.

How to Store Sage

To store fresh sage, wrap it in a damp paper towel, place it in a plastic bag or container, and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, says Betz. Store dry sage in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to six months, he says.

Tips for Harvesting Sage

Keep these expert-approved tips in mind when harvesting sage.

• Regularly prune or harvest to encourage bushier growth.
• Prune mature, healthy leaves for the best flavor.
• Avoid over-harvesting, especially during the first year of growth.
• Harvest sage on a dry day, as the essential oils are more concentrated.
• Use clean, sharp pruners when harvesting sage to avoid the spread of disease.