Propagating pineapple sage (Salvia elegans) is a straightforward process that can be done through stem cuttings. Here’s how to easily propagate pineapple sage:
Materials You’ll Need:
- Healthy pineapple sage plant
- Pruning shears or scissors
- Small pots or containers
- Potting mix
- Rooting hormone (optional)
- Plastic bags or plastic wrap (optional)
Step-by-Step Propagation:
- Select a Healthy Plant:
- Choose a mature and healthy pineapple sage plant with strong stems and no signs of disease or pests.
- Prepare the Cuttings:
- Using sharp pruning shears or scissors, take stem cuttings that are 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long. Ensure each cutting has at least one set of leaves. Make the cuts just below a leaf node (the point where a leaf connects to the stem).
- Remove Lower Leaves:
- Gently remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving a clean section of stem with leaves at the top. This prevents excess moisture loss and helps the cutting focus on root development.
- Optional Rooting Hormone:
- While not always necessary, you can dip the cut end of the stem in a rooting hormone powder to promote root development. This step is optional, but it can speed up the process.
- Potting Mix:
- Fill small pots or containers with a well-draining potting mix. Make a hole in the soil using a stick or your finger to insert the cuttings.
- Plant the Cuttings:
- Insert the prepared cuttings into the holes in the potting mix, ensuring the leafless portion is beneath the soil. Gently firm the soil around the cutting.
- Water:
- Water the cuttings thoroughly, ensuring the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged.
- Create a Mini Greenhouse (Optional):
- To create a more humid environment that encourages rooting, you can cover the pots with plastic bags or plastic wrap. This helps maintain moisture levels around the cuttings.
- Provide Indirect Light:
- Place the pots in a location with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the cuttings.
- Maintain Moisture:
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Check the moisture regularly and water as needed.
- Root Development:
- In a few weeks to a couple of months, you should start to see roots forming on the cuttings. You can gently tug on the cutting to feel for resistance, indicating the presence of roots.
- Transplant:
- Once the cuttings have well-developed roots, they are ready to be transplanted into larger pots or directly into your garden.
Pineapple sage cuttings can be potted up and grown as new plants, ensuring a continuous supply of this delightful herb. Enjoy the aromatic leaves and their culinary and ornamental uses in your garden.
Pineapple sage is a beautiful tender perennial in the garden. It is excellent for attracting pollinators and has edible leaves that have a pineapple fragrance. Pineapple sage can propagate very easily from cuttings. It grows best in zone 8-11 but sometimes will come back in zone 7 – but don’t count on it! To preserve it for next year I decided to take some cuttings. In this video you can see what I did and how they rooted!
