Of the more than 1,000 species of sage, many are native to the United States, so it’s no surprise if you even have one in your garden.
They exude a fragrant smell that attracts pollinators, and their colorful flowers add beauty to your garden.
But if you haven’t had the best of luck keeping them, here are some tips you can do to make sure they survive and thrive this season.
Give plenty of sun
Sage plants prefer to be in full sun or partially sunny, so be sure to put them in a sunny place in your garden. Annual species need at least 6-8 hours of sun exposure to produce most flowers, but some perennials can thrive in partial shade.
You’ll know when your saws aren’t getting enough sunlight when they show signs of stretching or bending toward the light.
If it is not possible to give your rescues a whole sunny day, you can also complement them with a grow lamp. Install them in a greenhouse and you can see how they bloom throughout the season!
Use well drained soil
Salvia can survive in virtually any type of soil as long as it is well drained. But if you want the specifics, they prefer a slightly acidic medium with a pH of 5-5 to 6.5. You can test the soil pH using a soil pH tester probe.
If you are working with clay soil, be sure to mix organic matter in it to improve its drainage. It can be compost, agricultural manure or dry leaves. Otherwise, plant sage in a pot or container to limit the amount of water absorbed by the soil.
Keep the soil dry
Salvas need well-drained soil because they tend to rot their roots or stems and contract fungal health issues if their roots remain in moist conditions for a long period of time.
Because they are drought-resistant, you won’t have to water them often. Make sure the soil is completely dry before giving them a drink to avoid excessive watering.
You will probably have to water them more often in the summer because the heat dries the soil faster. But wait until you water them in winter, because mixing frost and water is a safe recipe for root rot.
Dead dead flowers
Many love to have sage in their garden because of their ability to produce flowers for long periods of time. When they have ideal growing conditions, they can bloom from spring to early autumn.
Even if you don’t have to kill their flowers, the plant can benefit. Removing wilted and dying flowers can help the plant redistribute its energy and nutrients to the strikes.
To do this, you can use a trimmer or scissors to cut dried or dying flowers. But if autumn or winter is approaching, avoid deadheads because the flowers can offer additional protection to the plant against wind and cold.
Prune twice a year
Sage plants can grow up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide, depending on the species. If you have a small space, letting them grow can make them too big for your garden.
It is recommended to prune the plant twice a year, ideally in spring and summer. If this is the first cut of the year, wait until they wake up from winter. Next, cut down from the base and remove all dead flowers to tidy up their shape and promote flowering.
During the summer, cut about ⅓ This will help them produce more flowers that can last until early autumn.
Feed sparingly
If you plant sage in poor, dry soil, they will still be able to survive and produce flowers. So there is no need to feed them if they are healthy. Hyperfertilation can also give your plant a lot of growth, but it will not be able to produce as many flowers.
The only time you need to feed is when you have your sage in pots. Because their soil is limited, a dose of fertilizer can provide them with the appropriate nutrients they need to flower. If so, choose a potassium-rich fertilizer, such as tomato feed.
Exterminate insects
If there’s one thing gardeners dislike, it’s insect infestation on their plants. Although salvia are hardy ornamental plants, they are not immune to harmful creatures.
Keep an eye out for whiteflies, aphids and spider mites, as these are their common enemies. If you notice signs of infestation, it is better to immediately remove the infected leaves.
You can also apply an alcohol-based home remedy, dish soap, or vinegar to get rid of insects before they get out of control. Be sure to place the sage in a shady corner after spraying to prevent the leaves from burning.
