Save salvia plants for next spring

As autumn arrives, it’s essential to take cuttings from salvia plants to ensure their survival. These plants are still in full bloom, but the approaching winter months can be detrimental to their health. By taking cuttings now, you can have a windowsill full of young plants by spring without spending any money.

The process of taking salvia cuttings is relatively simple and doesn’t require any special skills or equipment. You’ll need a sharp pair of snips, some rooting hormone, gritty compost, and a propagator or clear plastic bag. The timing is important, and it’s advisable to take cuttings in August or September when the growth is still soft or just beginning to harden.

Preparing the Cuttings

To take salvia cuttings, go out in the morning when the plant is at its most hydrated. Using sharp snips or secateurs, cut several stems from shoots that aren’t flowering, and put them straight into a plastic bag to prevent wilting. Water the parent plant well the day before if it’s been dry, and try to select healthy, vigorous shoots with no flower buds.

Use only material from the shoot tips, and trim each cutting just below a leaf joint to around 5-8cm long. Carefully pinch or cut the leaves off the bottom half, and if the remaining leaves are large, cut them in half across to reduce moisture loss. Dip the base into rooting hormone, then insert the cuttings around the edge of a pot of gritty cuttings compost.

Rooting the Cuttings

Make a hole with a pencil or dibber first, so the rooting hormone isn’t rubbed off. Water the cuttings in, then place the pot in a propagator or cover it with a clear plastic bag. Keep the pot at room temperature until the cuttings have rooted, out of direct sun. A bright windowsill away from a radiator is ideal.

Air the bag or open the propagator vents every few days to stop mold building up. Salvias usually root within three to four weeks. You’ll know they’ve taken when you see fresh new growth or roots poking out of the drainage holes. Once rooted, pot each cutting into its own 8-9cm pot and overwinter in a frost-free place, such as a cool greenhouse, porch, or windowsill.

Caring for the New Plants

Water the new plants sparingly over winter, just enough to stop the compost drying out completely. In spring, pinch out the tips to make bushy plants, then harden them off and plant out once the risk of frost has passed, usually from late May. The same method works for many of the tender perennials that will be lost to the first frosts.

It’s always handy to have a collection of small pots in your potting shed or greenhouse. You can never have too many, and biodegradable pots are a great option. By following these simple steps, you can have a thriving collection of salvia plants without spending any money. This method allows gardeners to propagate salvia plants, which is important for their survival during the winter months. Gardeners can take cuttings from their existing salvia plants, and with proper care, they can have a new batch of plants ready for the spring.