Absolute™ Sage

Absolute Sage (Salvia officinalis 'SAL04') is a cutting grown culinary sage bred by Ozbreed for a classic, strong flavour and an intense scent. It forms a well branched clump 25cm to 35cm high and 35cm to 45cm wide, tough enough for the garden and ornamental enough for the front of a bed. Ozbreed says it delivers flavours once found only in mature, wild grown Mediterranean herbs.

Why you'll love it

• Classic strong sage flavour. Cutting grown plants are true to type, so every plant tastes like the last one.
• Intense scent. Brush the foliage and the resinous sage aroma is strong.
• Good looking as well as useful. A well balanced branching habit means it sits happily in a flower bed as well as the vegetable patch.
• Tough. It has good drought tolerance and moderate frost tolerance.
• Compact. At 25cm to 35cm high it suits pots, courtyards and the front of a border.

Where it works best

Herb and kitchen gardens. Plant 30cm apart in spring, summer or early autumn, in full sun to light shade.

Pots and courtyards. The compact size suits a large pot by the back door, where a few leaves are always at hand. Use a free draining potting mix.

Borders. Use it at the front of a sunny bed, where the foliage works with lavender, rosemary and other dry garden plants.

In the kitchen. Ozbreed recommends it for stuffing, pasta, meats, potatoes, stews and pizza.

Growing Absolute Sage in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. It has moderate frost tolerance and good drought tolerance, so it suits temperate and Mediterranean gardens best. Sage dislikes long, humid, wet summers, so in the subtropics grow it in a pot or raised bed where air moves freely.

Soil. Most soil types suit it provided they drain well. Avoid wet feet, which is the quickest way to lose a sage plant, especially in winter.

Water and feed. Water as required and let the soil dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid over watering, particularly in winter. In spring and autumn, if needed, apply a slow release fertiliser or work compost into the soil. Heavily harvested plants in pots may need a light application of quick release fertiliser.

Pruning and harvest. Harvest as required by picking leaves. If the clump needs shaping, prune by up to a third in spring or early autumn. Like all sages it turns woody after a few years, so plan to renew plants from cuttings or replace them every few years.

What to expect when it arrives

We list Absolute Sage in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Stock comes from Ozbreed's licensed growers and is grown to order at times, so a size can show as backorder. Order it and we confirm timing with you before anything ships.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Edible plants and bush tucker
• Browse more salvias
• Growing a successful fruit and vegetable garden
• See the full Ozbreed range

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it?

Plant 30cm apart. It reaches 35cm to 45cm wide, so neighbouring plants will just meet.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes. Use a free draining mix, keep the pot in full sun to light shade, and water only once the top of the mix has dried.

When should I plant it?

Spring, summer and early autumn suit it best, in full sun to light shade.