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When to Plant Sage in Gilliam County, OR

Sage is a woody perennial herb with velvety gray-green leaves and a warm, peppery flavor. It is a traditional seasoning for poultry, stuffing, and sausage.

Gilliam County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 173 days.

At an elevation of 965 feet, Gilliam County receives approximately 22.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Sage during the growing season.

Gilliam County, OR (Zone 6a) Moderate season
173 days
Last Spring Frost April 25
173 growing days
First Fall Frost October 15

Gilliam County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Sage

Sage needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Sage Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 2.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 2.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 2.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
May 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.8" 3.5" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 0.3" 4" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 0.5" 3.8" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 0.9" 3.4" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Nov โ€” 3.7" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 3.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Aprโ€“Oct in Gilliam County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Sage Planting Timeline โ€” Gilliam County, OR

Sage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 2 May 2 โ€“ May 16
Harvest July 18 Jul 18 โ€“ Sep 12

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

Low โ€” drought tolerant

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

75โ€“90 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

173 days in Gilliam County

Growing Tips for Gilliam County

Start from seed or cuttings. Prune after flowering to maintain shape. Replace plants every 4-5 years when they become woody and less productive. Excellent drainage is essential.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Cucumber
  • Rue

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Sage in Gilliam County, OR?

Gilliam County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Sage planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Gilliam County, OR?

Gilliam County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 15.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Gilliam County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Gilliam County, OR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.