Salvia: tutti i consigli per coltivarla e farla durare a lungo!

If you've purchased a sage plant, the first thing to do is repot it. To begin, get a large pot, 30-40cm deep. Its very long roots require space to grow. Now add a first layer of expanded clay for drainage, and then proceed with the soil. It's important that the soil is rich in organic matter and fertilized periodically. Place it not too low and then cover with more soil. Where should I put it? We can place it in a sunny spot on the balcony or terrace, but it's important that it's sheltered from the wind. How much should I water it? It's best not to water it too often, as it doesn't like waterlogging. So, water only when the soil feels too dry. How should I prune it? Sage, perfect for flavoring hot dishes, can be pruned in spring by removing leaves and dry or broken branches. Furthermore, it's a good idea to prune it properly every four or five years to allow it to grow more vigorously. How to propagate it? In April, take cuttings about 10-15 centimeters long from a young plant, even a new one. Remove all the lower leaves, leaving only two pairs of leaflets at the top. Now place the cuttings in plastic pots in a mixture of peat and sand to root. You can plant more than one cutting to increase the chances of them taking root, and during this phase, make sure the soil is always moist. Place them in a sheltered place until they have rooted. They can be transplanted towards the end of June. How to dry them? After harvesting the sage leaves, wash them carefully and let them dry on a cloth. Once dry, place them on a sheet of parchment paper (or a tea towel) to let them rest, away from light and in a well-ventilated place. After three or four days, the sage will be dry and can be stored in an airtight glass jar, keeping the leaves whole or crumbled.