how do i start russian sage

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Can you start Russian sage from cuttings?

Russian sage can be started from seed, from stem cuttings, or by dividing mature plants. You can also transplant seedlings or nursery plants into the garden.

When should I start Russian sage seeds?

Russian Sage can be planted in either the early spring or late fall. Choose a sunny site for your plants with soil that is on the grittier side (sandier loam) to promote good drainage and ensure a successful overwintering.

Can you root Russian sage cuttings in water?

Water method: Place the sage cuttings in a glass or other short, petite container of water. Add a couple inches of water to the bottom of the glass. Use filtered and/or non-chlorinated water if possible. Soil method: Insert the cut stems into a container of seed starting soil or similar light potting medium.

Is Russian sage easy to grow from seed?

You can start Russian sage from seed, but you will need to be patient. Germination can take up to four months. In the meantime, you will need to keep the seeds continually moist and warm. Once they do germinate, it can be a few years before they are large enough to begin flowering.

When should I start my sage seeds indoors?

Sage seeds can be direct-sown into the warm spring soil after all danger of frost, but most gardeners find it easier to begin the seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last anticipated frost.

How do I start sage from seed?

Seeds should sprout in 2 to 3 weeks. Sow seeds 3mm (1/8″) deep, and keep soil just moist, not wet. Thin or transplant to 45-60cm (18-24″) apart. In spring, trim established plants back by a third to encourage new growth.

Is it better to root cuttings in water or soil?

Some plants will root in water, but cuttings will develop a better root system when rooted in a soil-less potting mix. Sand or perlite can also be used, especially for cuttings that need good drainage and may rot if kept too wet.

How do you start a sage plant from a cutting?

First, use a sharp knife to cut off a young shoot approximately 6 centimeters below the leaf crown. Then strip off the lower leaves so that the cutting is left with at least three pairs of leaves. Now plant the cutting into compost soil and water it carefully. Make sure that the soil is always moist.

How long does it take for Russian sage to root?

6-8 weeksSpring planted bare root should finish in 6-8 weeks based on 68-72° F growing temperatures. Use a well-drained soil mix composed of bark and peat with a pH of 5.8-6.5.

Does Russian sage bloom the first year?

One of the tallest Russian sages, growing to about 4 feet. The flower spikes alone are nearly a foot long and smothered with clusters of violet-blue blossoms from midsummer into fall. This new variety will flower the first year from seed if sown in early spring.

How do you prepare sage seeds for planting?

Growing Sage from Seeds Planting sage seeds requires patience, as sage seeds are slow to germinate. Scatter the seeds over seed starting soil and cover them with 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) of soil. Keep the soil damp but not soaked. Not all the seeds will germinate and the ones that do may take up to six weeks to germinate.

Does Russian sage need to be cut back every year?

Spring and summer care for Russian sage consists mainly of pruning. When new spring growth emerges, cut the old stems back to just above the lowest set of leaves. If the plant begins to spread open or sprawl in late spring or summer, shear off the top one-third of the stems to encourage upright growth.

How do you grow Russian sage from seed?

Russian sage grows from seeds, but germination is variable.Place the Russian sage seeds in a resealable plastic bag to prevent moisture from collecting around the seeds. ... Fill a plastic seed tray that has a cover with commercially available seed starter soil mix. ... Spread the seeds evenly over the top of the soil.More items...

How cold hardy is Russian sage?

Hardy in USDA zones 4-9, Russian sage will benefit from winter protection in colder regions. Most varieties reach 2-3 feet tall and wide, though some can be larger. Russian sage has good heat and drought tolerance, making it suitable for waterwise landscapes.

How do you prepare sage seeds for planting?

Growing Sage from Seeds Planting sage seeds requires patience, as sage seeds are slow to germinate. Scatter the seeds over seed starting soil and cover them with 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) of soil. Keep the soil damp but not soaked. Not all the seeds will germinate and the ones that do may take up to six weeks to germinate.

How long does it take to grow sage from seed?

If you choose to go the seed route, sow indoors for 6 – 8 weeks before the last frost under a plant light. Sage seeds will take about 3 weeks to germinate, and then you can transplant seedlings to your prepared soil. You can also propagate new plants from other cuttings or by layering.

When & Where to Plant Russian Sage

Russian Sage can be planted in either the early spring or late fall. Choose a sunny site for your plants with soil that is on the grittier side (sandier loam) to promote good drainage and ensure a successful overwintering.

How to Grow Russian Sage Throughout the Season

Growth Habit: Russian sage is a tall plant, 3-5 feet in height with a spread of 2-3 feet. Gray-green foliage is reminiscent of lavender, as is the color of the flowers borne on tall panicles that have an airy, textured feel. Plants create a woody base over time that should be cut back in early spring.

Russian Sage: End of Season Care

Dividing and Transplanting: With its woody stems and static habit, Russian sage is not a candidate for dividing.

Russian Sage: Extra Info

Companion Plants: Because of the wispy nature of Russian Sage, it is fabulous planted with a flower that can pick up the violet-blue of its many flower panicles, and ‘grow through it, such as Coneflower ( Echinacea spp. ), globe thistle ( Echinops ritro) or tall verbena ( Verbena bonariensis ).

Perovskia Atriplicifolia - An End-of-Summer Stunner in the Flower Garden

Marie Iannotti is a life-long gardener and a veteran Master Gardener with nearly three decades of experience. She's also an author of three gardening books, a plant photographer, public speaker, and a former Cornell Cooperative Extension Horticulture Educator.

Plant Description

Foliage: Russian sage grows as a many stemmed clump. The foliage is finely cut gray-green leaves that are slightly scented.

Hardiness Zones

Russian sage is reliably hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9. Plants grown in Zone 4 may need some winter protection, but as long as the roots survive, your plants should send out new growth in the spring.

Mature Size of Russian Sage

Some varieties of Perovskia have a somewhat weeping form. They will start off growing tall and bend over under the weight of the flowers. Newer hybrids are sturdier and remain upright. Most will reach a mature size of 4 ft. (H) x 3 ft. (W).

Sun Exposure

Russian sage needs full sun to bloom well. Since it is drought tolerant, once it is established, it can handle dry, hot areas well.

Bloom Time

Russian sage plants start blooming slowly, just hinting at their full color. The process tends to start sometime in July and continue through August. The flowers start off subdued and gain brilliance as they open, then gradually fade away again.

Russian Sage Growing Tips

You can start Russian sage from seed, but you will need to be patient. Germination can take up to four months. In the meantime, you will need to keep the seeds continually moist and warm. Once they do germinate, it can be a few years before they are large enough to begin flowering.

HOW TO PLANT

Container-grown plants are best planted in late spring once the soil warms up, which will encourage faster growth. You can also plant them later in the summer as long as you get them in the ground six weeks before a hard frost.

RUSSIAN SAGE CARE

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. After plants become established, they tolerate drought without complaint and rarely need supplemental watering. The plant's vigorous root system helps it withstand scorching-hot summers and dry spells.

RUSSIAN SAGE PICTURES

Named as Proven Winners’ 2020 National Perennial of the Year, this new compact cultivar features lacy sky-blue flowers held by colorful amethyst calyxes that remain after the blooms have faded, extending the season of interest. Exceptionally strong stems keep it upright without flopping.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Although the leaves may smell like those of culinary garden sage ( Salvia officinalis ), Russian sage is technically not a sage. The aromatic leaves emit a light herbal scent when crushed, and as noted above, are toxic if consumed. However, they can be dried and used in potpourris.

How to propagate Russian sage

Russian sage is a beautiful, fragrant plant that can grow in your garden or balcony.

How do you multiply Russian sage?

Russian sage is easy to propagate by dividing clumps or rooting cuttings.

Why is my Russian sage falling over?

The first thing to check is whether you have planted your Russian sage in a large enough pot.

What are Nodes?

Nodes are where the leaves and branches form on a plant and so the internode is the area between the nodes. Many plants will form roots only at that node and so if you take cuttings of those plants your cuttings need to be taken just below the node.

Success in Propagating Russian Sage

The video below uses the same cuttings from the video above. You can see the results and learn what I think of sand vs. seed starting mix as a rooting soil medium.

After Rooting Russian Sage Care

Once the Russian sage cuttings root you want to get them into a potting mix so that the nutrients in the soil will help feed the plant. If I were to leave them too long in the sand medium I use for cuttings the new plants would eventually fail.

Why I Love Russian Sage in the Garden

Russian sage has a lot of extremely good properties that make it worth planting in the garden. It is obviously and attractive plant. The purple/blue flowers that emerge on tall spires are very attractive and can be planted well with a number of plants. It goes well with roses, coreopsis, verbena, and many other perennials.

A Couple Additional Tips on Russian Sage Propagation

While taking cuttings carry a water jar with you. Put the freshly taken cuttings in the jar while you gather other cuttings. This will help reduce water loss until you have several cuttings collected to stick.

Best Growing Conditions for Russian Sage

Russian sage is a tough perennial that can thrive in tough places. The one thing I have noticed that you need to avoid are excessively damp conditions. Too much moisture may cause rotting in the roots and death to the plant. A well drained location in full sun is ideal for Russian sage.

Russian Sage Varieties

There are many varieties of Russian sage ( Perovskia atriplicifolia) you can pick for your garden. Here’s a short list of a few you may want to research and plant in your garden: Blue Jean, Blue Spires, Blue Steel, CrazyBlue, Lacey Blue, Little Spires, Longin, Peek-a-Blue, and ‘Rocketman.’