Sounds like too much moisture. Sage likes hot and dry, so if you've had a wet summer both the rain and the humidity can cause the leaves to rot. Here in Florida, I actually move my sage inside to a south-facing window in the summer.

When you planted it, it suffered from root shock -- also called transplant shock. When they started to show brown leaves - it probably was already in recovery stage. You didn't mention the size of the plant, but I think it would have regenerated from near the base. When you went back and were advised to water them -- you probably overwatered them. First -- with any new plants, you have to ensure the plant does not dry out. That doesn't mean you need to water daily or in huge amount. It just means, don't let the soil dry out. Secondly, this particular plant needs good drainage and you will know if there is good drainage when you water and the water will disappear within a few seconds. If it pools and take longer than a minute, then you have a hardpack clay soil - which is unsuitable. Next time over -- if you wish to get a new russian sage, my advise is first to water the plant well a day before transplanting. This strengthens the plant. Second dig the hole before planting. This way, you can easily slide out the plant from the pot and slide it into the hole. Disturb the roots as little as possible. Don't transplant in full sun. Best time is either early morning or late afernoon when the sun is cool. Water but don't over water. In the first season, don't let the plant dry out. Also, make sure your soil, if it is clay, or sandy, is ameneded by compost.

I believe this is typical, especially if not grown in full sun. Some people, me included, cut them down to live nodes, about 8-12'' from ground in the spring. This helps, as does putting sturdier plants in front of them. There are newer varieties, like "Longin" which are a tad shorter and have stiffer stems. I'm not totally sure this is always true. good luck, Karen

FBX, I may do that. Not being cheap, I just enjoy growing from seed when possible. I think the trick with growing it from seed is you have to be cruel to be kind. Put it someplace where you forget about it and won't be tempted to water it when it starts to look dry. Treat it almost like a cactus in the early stages at least. Sometimes we are overly tempted to water things on our windowsills when the soil starts to get dry. Probably fine for most things, but it will kill small sage seedlings. Seedlings also be tempermental about just the right amount of light. Not too much or too little. At least that is what I seem to be noticing. Seedlings do seem to be tempermental in general compared to most herbs which are no brainers. Once established I'm sure they are easy & low maintenance like the rest. Most herbs are just good tasting/smelling weeds after all.