If you want to know how to grow white sage and what is his benefits then this post is for you. White sage is a perennial desert plant that’s native to South California. It is the preferred variety of sage for smudging and its leaves are used in medicinal teas and to flavor cooking. Its roots and seeds are edible too. A white sage bush can grow up to a maximum height of about 6 feet.
How to Grow White Sage?
If you want to know how to grow white sage, simply follow the tips, information, and advice provided here:
White Sage Is a Perennial Evergreen
In warm climates, white sage is a perennial evergreen. In cooler climates, it dies down and comes back in the spring. It cannot survive winter in cold climates. If you have less-than-ideal growing conditions, you should keep your sage protected by either bringing it indoors or planting it in a greenhouse.
Propagation Methods
If you are looking to propagate white sage, keep in mind that there are 2 separate methods you can use to get more plants in your garden, which are:
I. Growing from Seed
It is the most popular way to get new plants to grow, but white sage has a very low germination level at about 20 to 30 percent. It thus means that you have to plant more seeds than the plants you intend to have in your garden.
In the spring, you will have to plant white sage in a shallow tray. Make sure that you mist the seeds with water and maintain the temperature between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They will require full sun and misting once a week after they start growing.
II. Growing White Sage from Cuttings
You can also grow white sage from cuttings, but the success rate of this is just about 20 percent.
Procedure:
– Take a 4-to 6- inch cutting from a mature plant that’s at least several years old
– Dip the cutting’s freshly-cut end into a rooting powder to allow the new plant to take root
– Maintain the temperature between 70- and 85-degrees Fahrenheit
– Dampen the soil by watering it if it becomes dry
It will take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks for the roots to form and when they are ready, you should get the plant used to the full sun before transplanting it.
Sun and Soil Requirements
White sage is a desert plant, which means that it requires full sun and as much as it can get. It also prefers sandy, very well-drained soil. Too much moisture will simply kill it.
Watering Your Plant
Ensure that the plant has about 0.5-inch of water every week during the first growing season. After the first season, the roots are sufficiently established, which means that the plant does not require additional water unless there’s drought.
Most Common Pests and Diseases
White sage can be affected by quite a few pests and diseases. Some of the most common ones include:
– Red and Black Flat Mites
– Aphids
– Whiteflies
– Root Rot
– Powdery Mildew
Harvesting
Once the plant becomes established, harvesting can begin. Harvest just the top leaves and leave the bottom leaves to continue growing. Use pruners or a pair of sharp scissors to cut the white sage to avoid damaging the stems.