Pineapple sage (Salvia rutilans) is a plant that originally comes from Mexico. It is used as a culinary herb because of its sweet-smelling leaves. In the right location, the plant requires little attention. If you pay attention to the plant's requirements, it will thrive.
How do you properly care for pineapple sage?
You can optimally care for pineapple sage by planting it in a partially shaded location with loose, nutrient-rich soil, watering it regularly, fertilizing every four weeks and letting it overwinter frost-free at 5-15 degrees Celsius in winter.
Location and soil
Pineapple sage prefers a partially shaded location with warm conditions. A few hours of sunshine in the morning and evening stimulates the plant to grow. Salvia rutilans cannot tolerate the blazing midday sun. The culinary herb feels particularly comfortable in permeable and nutrient-rich soil. A mixture of clay and sand with humus content is ideal. Mix some compost into the soil to provide the plants with optimal growing conditions.
Pouring
The culinary herb prefers moist conditions, but cannot tolerate waterlogging. The sunnier the location, the more often you should water the pineapple sage. The substrate should not dry out as the plant will quickly drop its leaves. If you cultivate the plant in a pot, you should ensure optimal water drainage.
Improve water balance in potted plants:
- Use clay pots
- Create drainage from gravel or pottery shards
- pour excess water from the saucer
Fertilize
During the growth phase, the plant enjoys a regular supply of nutrients. Provide the plant with an organic fertilizer (€27.00 on Amazon) every four weeks. You can give the culinary herb fresh compost in the spring. This acts as a long-term fertilizer and provides the pineapple sage with important nutrients throughout the summer.
Wintering
Pineapple sage is not hardy. Shortly before the first frosts occur, you should move the plant to its winter quarters. Overwintering outdoors is not always successful. Cut the plant back close to the ground in autumn and spread a thick layer of pine branches, brushwood or straw on the bed. You should water the plant on frost-free days. The plant will not survive particularly cold winter months outdoors.
The ideal winter quarters for the plant is a bright place with temperatures between five and 15 degrees Celsius. Place the bucket in the stairwell, in the basement or in a winter garden. During the dormant period, Salvia rutilans receives little water. You can avoid fertilization.
