The pineapple sage develops aromatic leaves that can be used for creative dishes. The perennial plant can be propagated in various ways. Reproduction by means of cuttings, which are cut at different times of the year, is successful.
Pineapple sage can be propagated via cuttings, among other things
Fresh cuttings
From a well-developed plant, cut off unwoody shoots that are about three to four inches long. Position the knife below a knot and cut the cutting at an angle. In the lower part, remove all the leaves and buds. Halve the upper leaves so that the cutting loses less water and can invest its energy in rooting.
Place the cuttings in a jar of tap water and cover with foil. It takes about two weeks for the first roots to appear. The cutting remains in the glass of water until the roots have grown one to two centimeters long. To speed up rooting, you can add willow water to the jar.
Make Willow Water:
- Cut finger-thick willow branches into small pieces
- douse with lukewarm water
- leave for 24 hours
Woody cuttings
Propagation from cuttings works with woody shoots, but requires more patience. The shoots quickly lose their green leaves and turn brown. If you change the water daily, after a few weeks the woody shoot will develop fine roots at the lower node.
It may be that at this growing point the plant develops fresh leaves at the same time. Then cut off the top part that appears wilted. This allows the cutting to concentrate on the further development of the leaves and roots. The young plant is only planted when the new shoot and the roots are at least one centimeter long.
seed
Propagation via seeds is possible. In Europe, however, the plant does not produce any fruit, as its flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds in its native Mexico. You can buy seeds commercially that are sprinkled on nutrient-poor growing substrate from February to April. The jar is placed in a bright and warm place where temperatures do not fall below 20 degrees Celsius. The seeds will germinate after a week or two.