One of the numerous beneficial attributes of sage is its uncomplicated propagation. The bar is particularly low for the method using offshoots. The following instructions explain step by step how to do it.

Sage head cuttings - powerful offshoots for propagation

Shortly before flowering, the full life pulsates in the sage. This applies in particular to the herbaceous shoot tips of the evergreen subshrub. Consequently, top cuttings offer themselves as the most powerful offshoots of the Mediterranean herbal plant. This is how the propagation succeeds effortlessly:

  • From June/July cut off shoot tips with a length of 6-10 centimeters
  • Defoliate the lower half of each head cutting
  • Fill the pot with a lean herbal soil-sand mix and moisten
  • Insert offshoots individually so deep that at least 2 pairs of leaves can be seen

A transparent hood that is put on creates a warm, humid microclimate that promotes rooting. In the following 2-3 weeks the substrate must not dry out. As soon as the roots grow out of the opening in the ground and fresh shoots appear, the hood has done its job. If the young sage has completely rooted its pot, it is ready for planting at the chosen location.

Use the power of the mother plant cleverly for offshoots

Propagation by means of sinkers leaves the care of the offspring to the mother plant. Here we explain step by step how easy this method works:

  • Determine a one-year-old, healthy shoot for the sinker in early summer
  • Pull it to the ground to make a 10 cm deep furrow
  • Cover the central area of the offshoot with soil and, if necessary, a stone
  • The tip of the shoot protrudes about 10-15 centimeters from the ground to be fixed to a wooden stick

As the mother plant feeds the offshoot over the following weeks, a new root system develops in the furrow. If a new leaf appears at the top and you feel a counter-pressure when you pull it lightly, the rooting is successful. After separating from the mother plant, dig up the young plant and plant in the new location.

tips and tricks

The bargain hunters among hobby gardeners transform a disused PET drinking bottle into a mini greenhouse for sage cuttings. To do this, the bottom is cut off and the bottle is placed over the breeding pot. Simply twist off the cap to vent, pick up the bottle to pour.

GTH

Category:

Herbs