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General sage calendar

London, United Kingdom · 51.51°

When to plant sage in London

The London dates are calculated from the observed last spring frost — a 2016–2025 mean of 6 April — rather than from a latitude estimate or a national calendar. The frost-free season here averages 228 days.

Season anchorobserved 2016–2025

Last spring frost: 6 April · latest 30 Apr

First autumn frost: 20 November · earliest 1 Nov

Frost-free season: 228 days · 10 complete years

These come from the ERA5 reanalysis on a roughly 9 km grid, so they describe the area rather than your plot. A hollow, a frost pocket or an exposed site regularly runs several degrees colder, so use the cautious date for a decision you cannot undo.

Frost date estimator

Local calendar windows

Sow indoors9 February – 2 March5 March – 26 March
Plant out13 April – 21 May7 May – 14 June

The cautious column is calculated from the latest frost recorded in the period (30 Apr). Use it for tender crops you cannot re-sow.

The year in London

What can move the date

Replace the plant every four or five years — old sage goes woody, sparse and bitter no matter how you prune it. Take cuttings in early summer and you never have to buy another.

Final spacing: 45 × 60 cm. Soil: pH 6–7.5.

Direct-sow only once the soil holds 15°C or more — soil temperature decides germination, not the date.

Problems in London

Each has its locally favourable conditions counted month by month, from the weather archive for this city.

Full guide: sage diseases and pests →

The same crop elsewhere