Pineapple sage (Salvia rutilans) is a plant native to Mexico. Because of its sweet-smelling leaves, it is used as a kitchen herb. In the right location, the plant requires little attention. If you follow the plant's requirements, it will thrive.
Pineapple sage is very easy to care for
location and soil
Pineapple sage prefers a half shady site with warm conditions. A few hours of sunshine in the morning and evening stimulate the plant to grow. Salvia rutilans does not tolerate the blazing midday sun. The kitchen herb feels particularly well on a permeable and nutrient-rich soil. A mixture of loam and sand with humus content is ideal. Mix some compost into the soil to provide the plants with optimal growing conditions.
pour
The culinary herb prefers moist conditions, but does not tolerate waterlogging. The sunnier the location, the more frequently you should water the pineapple sage. The substrate should not dry out, as the plant quickly lets its leaves droop. If you cultivate the plant in a bucket, you should ensure optimal water drainage.
Improve water balance in potted plants:
- Use clay pots
- Lay drainage out of gravel or potsherds
- Pour excess water out of the coaster
Fertilize
During the growth phase, the plant enjoys a regular supply of nutrients. Supply the plant with an organic fertilizer every four weeks. You can give the kitchen herb fresh compost in the spring. This acts as a long-term fertilizer and provides the pineapple sage with important nutrients throughout the summer.
hibernate
Pineapple sage is not hardy. Just before the first frosts appear, you should bring the plant into its winter quarters. Hibernation outdoors is not always successful. Cut the plant back to the ground in autumn and spread a thick layer of fir branches, brushwood or straw over 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 conservatory. During the dormant period, Salvia rutilans gets little water. You can do without fertilization.