SproutSmart
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Extrakta

Family: Lamiaceae Herb

Planting Schedule

Provide your location or planting zone to unlock dates and add Extrakta to a garden.

Aromatic as a fresh brush of green—Extrakta sage fills the air with a cool, resinous fragrance and a distinctly savory, gently peppery flavor.

The broad, velvety leaves are tender yet substantial, holding their character beautifully for roasting and simmering, and they shine fresh in salads and garnishes. Grow Extrakta for a steady harvest of upright, richly textured foliage that’s as ornamental as it is useful in sauces and savory blends.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Extrakta

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Extrakta Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone Start Indoors Sow / Transplant Harvest
Zone 1a Protected Environment Only
Zone 1b May 4th Jul 27th Sep 25th – Aug 1st
Zone 2a Apr 27th Jul 20th Sep 18th – Aug 29th
Zone 2b Apr 17th Jul 10th Sep 8th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a Apr 17th Jul 10th Sep 8th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b Apr 21st Jul 14th Sep 12th – Sep 21st
Zone 4a Apr 17th Jul 10th Sep 8th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b Apr 15th Jul 8th Sep 6th – Sep 27th
Zone 5a Apr 10th Jul 3rd Sep 1st – Sep 30th
Zone 5b Apr 6th Jun 29th Aug 28th – Oct 5th
Zone 6a Apr 3rd Jun 26th Aug 25th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b Mar 28th Jun 20th Aug 19th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a Mar 23rd Jun 15th Aug 14th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b Mar 13th Jun 5th Aug 4th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a Mar 4th May 27th Jul 26th – Nov 5th
Zone 8b Feb 23rd May 18th Jul 17th – Nov 12th
Zone 9a Feb 6th May 1st Jun 30th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b Jan 12th Apr 6th Jun 5th – Dec 9th
Zone 10a — Oct 1st Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 10b — Oct 1st Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 11a — Oct 1st Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 11b — Oct 1st Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 12a — Oct 1st Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 12b — Oct 1st Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 13a — Oct 1st Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 13b — Oct 1st Nov 30th – Feb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity60
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitUpright
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)60
Min Night Temp (°F)50
Harden Off (days)7

Culinary Notes


Chef's Note

Extrakta sage is built for the kind of flavor that travels—aromatic, resinous, and pleasantly peppery without getting sharp. Use it hot in browned butter or low-and-slow simmering, where those broad, velvety leaves keep their character instead of collapsing into bitterness.

Best Uses

  • butter that’s gently browned—sage folded in at the last moment so the leaves stay plush
  • slow simmer sauces (ragù, braises) where the flavor rounds into something herbal and woodsy
  • roast vegetables and sheet-pan potatoes, with leaves crisped around the edges
  • fresh salads and garnishes where the leaves give a clean, peppery snap

Flavor Profile

cool, resinous aroma gently peppery savoriness velvety, tender leaves with a sturdy bite pleasant bitterness on the finish

Kitchen Pairings

brown butter lemon zest garlic mushrooms aged cheddar pork

Frequently Asked Questions


How do I manage powdery mildew on Salvia officinalis (common sage) in my garden?
Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery coating on sage leaves, usually after humid spells or poor airflow. Water sage at the soil line and space plants to improve airflow; remove badly affected leaves early. If it keeps returning, treat with sulfur or an appropriate horticultural fungicide labeled for herbs, following label rates and reapplying as directed.
How often should I water Salvia officinalis during the main growing phase?
During the active growth period (once established and after sprouting), keep soil evenly moist but never soggy—aim for about 1 inch of water per week, adjusting for heat and rainfall. Let the top 1–2 inches of soil dry before watering again, because sage (Salvia officinalis) tolerates drought better than wet feet. In containers, water when the top inch is dry and drain fully to prevent root rot.
When is Salvia officinalis ready to harvest?
Harvest starts around 60 days from sowing, but you can take light leaf harvest earlier once plants have several healthy stems. For best flavor, pick leaves before the plant is fully flowering, typically when flower buds are just beginning to form. Cut sprigs in the morning and avoid taking more than about one-third of the plant at a time so it can regrow.