Sage is both a culinary herb and a medicinal plant. It has an unmistakable flavor and unique aroma. In order for sage to develop both to a high degree, you need to cut back the different species at the right time.

In a nutshell

  • Pruning time varies within species
  • Main cutting time for garden sage in early spring
  • for ornamental sage after flowering
  • Summer pruning at the same time as harvest pruning
  • do not cut after August

The right time

There are different pruning times for sage, with late winter and summer playing an important role both before, during and after flowering. Other factors that should not be underestimated when it comes to pruning are the different growth forms and the aim of the pruning measures. While the kitchen or spice sage is mainly about counteracting progressive woodiness, ornamental sage such as steppe sage is primarily about lush flowering. The times for the respective cutting measures are correspondingly variable.

Autumn and early spring are particularly recommended for pruning back sage (Salvia nemorosa). If you cut back in autumn, you should give it a layer of leaves as winter protection.

Cut in late winter

Late winter is the main cutting time for real, spice or kitchen sage. The frost-free times are best suited for central maintenance pruning of old, bare shrubs and for promoting new growth. A radical cut is also possible in late winter. However, it should be divided into two sections.

  • Care cut only from the second year
  • preferably annually
  • depending on the region from the end of February to mid/end of March
  • as soon as severe frosts are no longer to be expected
  • until new growth has started
  • do not cut if new growth has already taken place
  • Prune ornamental sage close to the ground in late winter

Notice: The cutting times must comply with the provisions of the Federal Nature Conservation Act, according to which radical pruning of hedges, shrubs and bushes is prohibited between March and September due to the breeding season of many birds. On the other hand, gentle shaping and care cuts are permitted, provided that no animal is disturbed when caring for the brood.

Before/during flowering

After the cut in late winter comes the time for recurring cuts such as pinching or trimming, although smaller cuts are possible at any time. Now is also the right time for harvesting garden sage.

  • approximately from mid-May to early August
  • from mid-May, pinch off young plants regularly
  • Cut back all herbaceous shoots at the end of May/beginning of June
  • remove disturbing twigs from the beginning of June down to the wood
  • Cut off flowers from June to July
  • Do not cut kitchen sage from mid-August

Tip: Flowers should only be cut off if no self-seeding is desired.

After flowering

The time after flowering is of particular interest for ornamental sage, because this is when its main pruning time is the so-called remounting pruning. This should be done after the first flowering.

  • cut before flowers are completely wilted
  • leads to a second bloom in early autumn
  • Remove wilted flower stalks in mid-July to early August
  • Cut back the sage to a hand’s breadth above the ground
  • Or cut it down to a third
  • do not cut after the second flowering

Cut back sage: this is important

If sage is cut incorrectly or not at the right time, this can cause lasting damage to the plants and even lead to total failure. If the right time was missed, it is better to postpone the cut. In order for sage to recover quickly and sprout vigorously again after pruning, regardless of whether it is in early spring, before or after flowering, a few things must be taken into account.

  • no pruning measures in autumn
  • do not cut in frost because of poor wound healing
  • no deep cuts
  • only cut in the leafy area, not in the old wood
  • do not remove woody shoots
  • Sage sprouts again here
  • Always position the scissors just above the woody part of the drive

Tip: In order to avoid damage to old and young wood, it is important to use only sufficiently sharp and previously disinfected cutting tools.

frequently asked Questions

What happens if you don't cut sage at all?

If sage is not cut at all, it usually grows excessively and becomes massively woody. The yields are getting smaller and smaller. To prevent this, only regular cuts at the right time help.

Can sage also be blended in autumn?

Pruning in autumn is not recommended, as this would deprive the sage of its winter protection. If you cut it in early spring, it will keep its foliage all winter and can thus protect itself from frost and cold. Of course, it can also be harvested in autumn, but you should avoid heavy cuts.

Is ornamental sage, in particular steppe sage, edible?

Even if ornamental sage, i.e. steppe sage, is not poisonous, it is hardly suitable for consumption, especially since its leaves contain very little aroma. It scores more with its radiant flowers and a pleasant scent. However, its flowers are a valuable food source for many insects.

Category:

Vegetable garden