The homeland of this sage variety extends from the south of the USA to Central America. It should immediately be clear to every reader what climate she enjoys there. Is she just as excited about the winter here? Hardly likely. Nevertheless, she doesn't have to give a short guest appearance.
How do you overwinter currant sage correctly?
In order to overwinter currant sage successfully, the plant should be placed in a bright, warm room at 10-20°C and cut back beforehand. Regular watering and repotting in spring are also important for he althy growth.
This guest has no winter hardiness under his belt
The guest from distant America didn't bring any winter hardiness with him because he simply doesn't have any. What use would it be to him in his sunny homeland? If we ask this plant to come to us, we have a duty. We must not sit back, admire its wonderful appearance and enjoy the wonderful aroma. We have to help this sage overcome its “lack of winter hardiness”. This is the only way it has a life of several years ahead of it.
Stay outdoors, please only in warm months
The temperature values must consist of two digits during the day as well as at night and have the sign plus. Then currant sage can stay outside and stretch its shoots towards the sun. The time spent in this way can be very short in this country.
It may be mid-May before the weather finally allows a stay outdoors. And the trip can come to an abrupt end as early as October. If the owner of the sage does not have a solution for the rest of the time, the shrub must die.
Retreat to a suitable “hotel”
Currant Sage needs warm accommodation during the cool and frosty time of year. It shouldn't be difficult to find one, as heated living spaces are also suitable for this heat-loving plant.
- Winter bright and warm
- Temperature values between 10 and 20 °C are ideal
- Values between 5 and 10 °C are also acceptable
Pruning before overwintering
The herb with the attractive flowers should lose its size and height before planting. Use scissors even if there is no shortage of space. Cut back old shoots just above the new growth. The sage will probably lose half or even two thirds of its crown.
Cutting back gives the sage the opportunity to sprout even more branches in the spring. In the meantime, the cut shoots can enrich your cooking skills.
Attention is also required in the winter quarters
The sage needs to be watered regularly and as needed. In April it is repotted in fresh soil before going outside again in mid-May at the latest.
Tip
The wonderfully fragrant peach sage is also a variety that is not suitable for winter and, like currant sage, has to overwinter in the house.
