Overview
Russian Sage is a beautiful perennial plant that adds color to any garden. It has long bloom times and attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators. The best way to propagate Russian Sage is through cuttings as it is difficult to germinate from seed. With the proper technique, you can easily increase your stock of this popular flowering shrub.
Taking Cuttings
The most successful method for propagating Russian Sage plants is by taking softwood cuttings in spring or early summer. Softwood cuttings are taken from new growth which has not hardened into wood yet and will root more quickly than hardwood cuttings taken later in the season. To take a cutting, first choose a healthy stem with several sets of leaves on it – this will be your cutting material. Trim off any flower buds as they may prevent rooting while the cutting develops its own root system. Using sharp pruning shears, make a clean cut about 2-4 inches below the lowest set of leaves on the stem and remove all but two sets of leaves at the top of your cutting; these two sets should be facing upwards so that they don’t get damaged when planted in soil later.
Preparing Cuttings
Before planting your softwood cuttings into soil, there are some preparation steps you must complete to ensure successful propagation:
- Dip each end of your Russian sage cutting into rooting hormone powder.
- Shake off any excess powder before placing them into moist potting mix.
- Use small pots no larger than 3 inches deep filled with an equal mixture of perlite and peat moss.
Do not use regular garden soil as potting mixes provide better drainage for young roots just beginning to develope . Place one or two stems per pot allowing space between each stem for optimal airflow and water absorption . Cover lightly with additional potting mix making sure none of the foliage touches he surface – if necessary , place stakes around the outside edge pof each container for added support . Water thoroughly after planting .
Caring For Your Cutting s
To encourage successful rooting , keep newly potted Russian sage plants out o If direct sunlight until roots begin forming – generally about 4 weeks after planting . Once established , gradually introduce full sun exposure over several days until moved outdoors permanently or until temperatures allow transplanting directly outdoors without shock ; usually late springtime once all danger o f frost has passed away Make sure containers remain evenly moist by checking their donductivity every few days; wilted plants indicate dryness whereas overly wet soils signal overwatering Adjust accordingly Keep newly rooted plants protected fron excessive wind drafts moving forward Avoid fertilizing during this stage as too much nutrients can stunt root formation Allow 8–10 w eeks total before transplanting permanenty outdoors Following these simple steps will give you strong healthy plants ready t o thrive throughout their growing seasons
