Edible Salvias / RHS Plant Guide

Culinary salvias

RHS Genus Guide

Sage (Salvia officinalis) and rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) are grown as herbs for cooking. The leaves are aromatic to touch and tasty when used in stuffings and Mediterranean dishes. Both are readily available to buy as plants in garden centres and supermarkets.

Botanical name: Salvia officinalis, Salvia rosmarinus

Common name: Sage, rosemary

RHS / Herbarium

Appearance

Culinary sages and rosemary are shrubby plants with foliage and flowers that look good in borders and containers, as well as in a herb garden. If not cut regularly, older stems will flower.

Preferences

These herbs enjoy free-draining soil in a sunny position. Purple-leaved forms of sage need the brightest spot to fully develop their colour. Plants are also more aromatic in full sun.

Dislikes

Culinary salvias grow and flower poorly in shade, and dislike wet, heavy soils.

Did you know?

To store leaves for winter use, harvest sprigs on a dry day in summer. Lay the leaves out in an airy spot in the house or shed to dry fully, before storing in a screw-top jar.

RHS Growing Guide