· harvest garden sage when the leaves reach full size but before the plant flowers , as the flavor peaks then. · learn optimal sage harvesting timing to maximize flavor. · harvesting sage can be as simple as trimming a few leaves to chop and toss in a soup. Find out how to store fresh sage and dry it for longer-term use. Avoid harvesting more than one-third of the plant at once to maintain healthy growth. · learn when and how to harvest sage leaves and stems for culinary and medicinal use. When harvesting sage, use scissors–or a sharp thumbnail and forefinger–and take one leaf at a time. Its known for being both easy to grow in a number of climates and, as part of the mint family, a delicious herb to. In autumn, larger harvests can be preserved to bring the flavor of the herb garden to dishes all winter. Look for leaves between 1 and 5 inches long, solidly green without spots or insect damage. · throughout the growing season, harvest sage by the leaf or by removing a stem with a whorl of leaves. Cut stems in the morning after the dew dries, when essential oils concentrate most. Using your thumb and forefinger to pinch leaves works best for harvesting sage. Instead, gently snip a few leaves here and there to allow the plant time to establish strong roots and healthy growth. Once established, you can harvest up to a third of the plant at a time. · a woody and strong-scented herb, common sage (salvia officinalis) is an immensely popular addition to many herb gardens. Avoid flowering mistakes with step-by-step instructions from an organic gardening expert. · if you’re growing sage from seed or a young plant, avoid heavy harvesting during the first year.
