After 3 to 4 years in the same location, sage has removed most of the nutrients from the soil. It's high time to transplant so that the perennial will produce an aromatic harvest for many years to come. The following instructions show how to do it.
When and how should you transplant sage?
Transplanting sage should be done after 3-4 years, either in early spring or late summer. Before transplanting, cut back shoots, loosen root balls, dig up sage and remove old soil. Plant at the new location in loamy-sandy soil enriched with compost and algae lime and then water well.
These two dates are available to choose from
To ensure that sage roots quickly again after transplanting, two dates should be considered. In early spring, the measure can be easily combined with the main cut. An alternative is late summer from mid-August to mid-September because the herb plant has then stopped growing.
Instructions for skillful transplanting
On the chosen date, the weather should be dry and the ground should not be frozen. Ideally, there has been a little rain a few days before so that the topsoil is soft and easy to work. Before starting work, cut the shoots back to the ground. As an exception, this also applies to a day in late autumn. Follow these steps:
- Loosen the root ball all around with the digging fork
- Simply cut off extra-long strands with a strong spade stroke
- Lifting the sage out of the ground with a spade
- Remove as much of the discarded soil as possible
If the roots are exposed, this is an excellent opportunity for propagation or rejuvenation through division. If you want more copies, cut the bale into several segments. It is important to note that each section has at least 2-3 buds.
Planting in the new place
Choose a sunny, warm location as your new location. There should have been no other mint plants in culture there before. A loamy-sandy soil is ideal. Here you dig the planting hole and enrich the excavation with a handful of compost and algae lime. Plant the sage exactly as deep as before, compact the soil (€12.00 on Amazon) and water generously.
Tips & Tricks
For potted sage, shorter transplanting intervals apply. The vigorous plant usually has completely rooted through the pot after just 1 to 2 years and has exhausted the substrate. The new planter should be at least 10 centimeters larger in diameter and have a bottom opening for water drainage.
