Grow sage in moderately rich, well-draining soil in full sun well after the danger of frost in late spring. Harvest sage leaves from well-established plants for fresh usage (around 75-80 days), and prune away flower stems before they bloom to maintain flavor. As a perennial, sage will survive all but the coldest winters. Cut back leaves and stems in autumn for fresh growth come spring, and replace older plants with fresh cuttings or root divisions as they become woody, usually after 3 years or so.