Troubleshooting
Sage problems — and how to fix them
Sage (Salvia officinalis) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Woody bare base
Plant ageing; replace every 4-5 years.
Yellow leaves after winter
Wet feet; improve drainage.
Loss of flavour
Over-fertilising or too much shade.
Powdery mildew
Stagnant humid air; thin growth and improve ventilation.
Prevent sage problems before they start
Most sage issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Sage problems — FAQ
Why is my sage woody bare base?
Plant ageing; replace every 4-5 years.
Why is my sage yellow leaves after winter?
Wet feet; improve drainage.
Why is my sage loss of flavour?
Over-fertilising or too much shade.
Why is my sage powdery mildew?
Stagnant humid air; thin growth and improve ventilation.