Cutting sage: when and how?

Sage doesn't need a lot of attention - but pruning should not be avoided. Cutting sage helps keep the aromatic herb lush and compact.

The sage (Salvia) belongs just like that lavender (Lavandula) to the subshrubs. These have the property that fresh shoots lignify in the following year. Proper pruning is important to rejuvenate the plant and maintain its shape. Therefore it is also referred to as a shape cut. This leads to a more compact growth and stimulates the growth and aroma formation of the sage. Another point in favor of pruning sage is: Overly long, woody shoots break off more easily under a snow load in winter.

Cutting sage: when is the best time?

In principle, early spring, when there is no longer a threat of severe frost, and autumn after the last flowering are recommended as suitable times for pruning sage. Pruning sage in the spring has the advantage of producing new shoots and fresh foliage by winter, minimizing the risk of frost damage. In addition, sick and dead or injured branches are easy to recognize after the winter, as they sprout poorly or not at all. These can then be removed as a whole. Here you have to cut into the wood to remove the shoot at the base.

If, on the other hand, you cut back the sage in autumn after the last flowering, it can sprout directly on the lower, cut-back buds in spring. However, it is important that this cut is made in good time before the frost and that the sage does not lose its winter hardiness by cutting back. Even with non-hardy sage species that are overwintered in pots, such as pineapple sage (Salvia rutilans), the cut should not be too late. Otherwise putrefaction pathogens or gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) penetrate, which like to occur in the winter quarters. If you want to propagate sage by cuttings, the corresponding shoots are cut in summer.

Here is a brief overview of when which cut should be made:

• In spring or autumn: All topiary and removal of diseased or dead shoots and dead flower stalks
• Before flowering: For the use of garden sage (Salvia officinalis) as a spice or medicinal plant
• After flowering: for a second flowering in reblooming ornamental sage species
• In summer: For obtaining cuttings

Tip: Not all sage species are hardy. In our special article you can read about which species they are and how they are otherwise Overwinter sage properly.

Cutting sage: instructions

Cutting sage is not very complex. Nevertheless, a few points should be noted. The most important aspect is not to cut into the woody part of the sage bush, otherwise it can no longer sprout properly. In addition, a cutting tool that is as clean and sharp as possible, such as a previously cleaned secateurs or hedge shears, should always be used to cut back sage. Now the entire upper parts of the shoots can be shortened to just above the woody area. In general, you should not cut in extreme heat or during long periods of bad weather. Because the former can lead to additional stress for the plant and wilting, when it rains the risk of wound infection is increased due to the constant moisture.

If you want to achieve a particularly high leaf yield and good aroma, you can cut off the flowers of the sage plant at the beginning of their development. However, you will then miss the sight of the beautiful purple or white flowers that bloom in June to July. A compromise would be to leave at least a few sprouts with flowers. This is also required if you want to harvest sage seeds.

Tip: The sage flowers are edible and are suitable, for example, as a decoration for dishes or even in drinks.

If, on the other hand, you want as much of the sage blossom as possible, a so-called replacement cut can be carried out. Here, immediately after the first flowering, another cut is carried out. If you have an ornamental sage such as the steppe sage (Salvia nemorosa) cut back, you do not have to be quite as careful as when, for example, the common sage (Salvia officinalis), also known as garden sage, cut back. The shoots can be shortened by two thirds of their length. Afterwards, it should be watered and fertilized well so that the plant blooms again. A primarily organic fertilizer like ours Plantura organic universal fertilizer is well suited here because it covers the nutrient requirements of the sage and at the same time is sustainable in production and environmentally friendly. An exception to the cut is clary sage (Salvia sclarea) This is only biennial and does not need to be cut back.

Especially with young sage plants, you should regularly trim the shoot tips so that they branch out more. In general, regular harvesting promotes growth as well as compact and bushy growth. If you pay attention to these aspects and choose the right one care of the sage, thanks it for many years with a rich harvest, magnificent flowers and a beautiful, dense growth habit.

You should pay attention to this when pruning sage:

• Be careful not to cut into the woody part of the sage
• Always use a clean and sharp cutting tool, which is freshly cleaned with each plant
• Regularly trim the shoot tips of young plants
• Cut back the entire top of the branches to just above the woody area
• Completely remove dead, diseased shoots – if necessary, shorten them down to the wood
• Do not cut in hot or inclement weather
• Highest leaf yield possible by cutting off the flowers at the beginning of their development
• For renewed blooming, cut back the sage after the first bloom, then water and fertilize

If your sage is already growing well, you may be wondering how to propagate it and cultivate even more of the versatile herb. We've put together everything you need to know to be successful in a separate article to multiply sage.