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When to Plant Sage in Lincoln County, WA

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.

Lincoln County, Washington is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 130 days.

At an elevation of 2,955 feet, Lincoln County receives approximately 21.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Sage during the growing season.

Lincoln County, WA (Zone 6a) Short season
130 days
Last Spring Frost May 19
130 growing days
First Fall Frost September 26

Lincoln County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 15 🍅 Harvest: Jul 31 – Sep 25
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 26 🍅 Harvest: Aug 11 – Oct 6
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 23 🍅 Harvest: Sep 8 – Nov 3

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.7″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Sage needs ~1,258 GDD — county provides 1,982 GDD Excellent fit

Sage Planting Timeline โ€” Lincoln County, WA

Sage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 26 May 26 โ€“ Jun 9
Harvest August 11 Aug 11 โ€“ Oct 6

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 Transplant Outdoors
July โ€”
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Low โ€” drought tolerant

Days to Maturity

75โ€“90 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 6a

Growing Season

130 days

Growing Tips for Lincoln 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

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Sage in Lincoln County, WA?

Lincoln County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 19. Plan your Sage planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lincoln County, WA?

Lincoln County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and first fall frost is September 26.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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

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