Extrakta

Family: Lamiaceae Herb

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

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 20th
Harvest Begins	Aug 19th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
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.