Common Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Other Names - Sage, Dalmatian Sage.
Origins - Europe, and the Mediterranean.
Type - Biennial (herbaceous).
Hardiness (see References, below) - Zones 5 - 9.
Bloom - Spring, Summer.
Height
Approx. up to 2 ft (30 cm).
Cultivation - Dry, sunny
locations, and neutral to alkaline soils, best. Easy maintenance plant.
Propagation - By seeds; just as you would with Basil Propagation. At optimum 70F (21C) most seeds will germinate within two weeks.
Other - This Mediterranean native became true classic in kitchens, and kitchen gardens, just about everywhere.
Sage's attractive, highly 
aromatic, foliage is great fresh, or dried. It's often used, to season sausages, gnocchi, turkey stuffing, roasted pork, soups, stews, and sauces. Some cheeses are flavored with Sage. It also goes well with wild mushrooms, such as Porcini, ones (for inspiration, see Wild Mushroom Stuffing).
Sages unique, if bitter taste, balances well with other rich flavors, adding a bit of depth to one's taste buds.
Salvia's, name derived from Latin salvare (means to cure). Indeed for thousands of years, Sage's medicinal properties, are well recognized. It has got good 
antiseptic, deeply refreshing/penetrating, and relaxing properties, which make it particularly appreciated in gargles, for sore throats, and mouth inflammations.
Sage is used remedies for relaxing spasms, such as asthma. It's also used for other conditions such as excessive perspiration, and
digestion.
Its essential oils are used in commercial products, such as perfume, toothpastes and other hygiene, and beauty products.
Sages make handsome, and useful garden plants, too. They are good companion plants to broccoli, cabbages, carrots, marjoram, oregano, and rosemary (Caution -
avoid planting Sage, or any other aromatic herbs, next to cucumbers, they don't like it).
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References - Find more about Hardiness Zones
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors: AllRecipes.com, blogger, bulabean, dive-angel (Karin), Elizabeth_jE, Epicurius.com, flickr, Green Acres Nursery and Supply - Roseville and Sac, habbie, Jasmine&Roses, Quinta de Corujas, Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., The County Clerk, TMR Davies, Wikipedia, W.D. Williams
