Sage proves to be a paragon of frugality, and not just in terms of its care. The same applies to uncomplicated propagation. The following instructions explain how cuttings are transformed into magnificent sage plants.
How do I propagate sage through cuttings?
To propagate sage cuttings, cut 6-10 cm long head cuttings in June or July, defoliate the lower half of the shoot and stick them in moist herb soil-sand mixture or peat-sand. After 2-3 weeks of rooting they can be planted in the bed.
Summertime is cutting time
If a sage is full of juice shortly before flowering, the herb plant not only produces a rich harvest. June and July are also the best time to start propagating using head cuttings. Ideally, the flowers should not have started yet, because from then on the plant energy flows from the foliage into the colorful splendor. How to do it right:
- Using a disinfected, sharp knife, cut off top cuttings with a length of 6-10 centimeters
- Defoliate the lower half of the shoot so that at least 2 pairs of leaves remain
- Fill small pots with herbal soil-sand mixture or peat-sand and moisten
- Place a cutting two-thirds of the way into the substrate for each pot
To promote rooting, put a plastic bag over it and place the growing pot in a partially shaded, warm place. Keep the soil constantly moist for the next 2-3 weeks. The cover should be ventilated daily to prevent mold from forming.
Planting rooted sage cuttings in the bed - this is how it works
If the delicate roots poke out of the bottom opening of the growing 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 pupil in the bed:
- The location is sunny, warm and protected
- The soil is humus, nutrient-rich and sandy-loamy
- Weed everything, loosen the soil and optimize it with compost
- Dig a planting hole with twice the volume of the root ball
Place the potted sage in the middle of the small hole and plant it exactly as deep as it was in the pot. Now follow a good sip of water. In the following weeks, the young plant is watered regularly so that its roots spread quickly. Repeated trimming of the shoots promotes bushy growth.
Tips & Tricks
Thanks to its lush flowers, sage is considered an excellent pasture for bees and butterflies. Its nectar content even exceeds that of rapeseed. Even if you don't like the intense taste of the Mediterranean culinary herb, there should be at least one specimen in your natural garden.