Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 09:02 pm
Sage proves to be a paragon of frugality not only in terms of its care. The same applies to the uncomplicated propagation. How to turn cuttings into magnificent sage plants, explains the following instructions.
Summertime is cutting time
If a sage is in full juice just before flowering, the herb plant not only provides a rich harvest. June and July is also the best time to start propagating by means of head cuttings. Ideally, flowering should not yet have begun, because from then on the plant energy flows from the foliage into the colorful splendor. Here’s how to do it right:
Using a disinfected, sharp knife, cut head cuttings 6-10 inches long.
Defoliate the lower half of the shoot so that at least 2 pairs of leaves remain
Fill small pots with herb soil-sand mixture or peat sand and moisten
Put one cutting per pot two-thirds into the substrate
To promote rooting, put another plastic bag over it and place the seed pot in a semi-shady, warm place. During the following 2-3 weeks, keep the soil constantly moist. The cover should be aired daily to prevent the formation of mold.
Planting rooted sage cuttings in the bed – here’s how.
If the tender roots peek out of the bottom opening of the seed pot, a new root system has developed on the cutting. If a fresh green shoot sprouts at the same time, the young plant is mature. This is how you plant your offspring in the bed:
- The location is sunny, warm and protected.
- The soil is humus, nutritious and sandy-loamy.
- Weed out all weeds, loosen the soil and optimize it with compost
- Dig a planting hole with twice the volume of the root ball
Center the potted out sage in the small pit and plant it exactly as deep as it was in the pot. Now follow with a good drink of water. In the following weeks, water the young plant regularly so that it spreads its roots quickly. Repeated pruning of the shoots is conducive to bushy growth.
Tips & Tricks
Thanks to its abundant blooms, sage is considered an excellent bee and butterfly pasture. Its nectar content even surpasses that of canola. Even if you don’t like the intense flavor of this Mediterranean culinary herb, there should be at least one specimen in your naturalistic garden.