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The Complete Guide to Growing and Caring for Blue Sage Plants
Blue sage, also known as Salvia azurea, is a stunning plant that can add a beautiful pop of blue to any garden.
This native North American perennial herb is easy to grow and care for, making it the perfect addition for both novice and experienced gardeners.
In this article, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about growing and caring for blue sage plants.
Choosing the Right Location
When selecting a site for your blue sage plants, it’s important to choose an area that receives full sun exposure.
This plant thrives in well-drained soil but can tolerate a range of soil types.
If you have heavy clay soil in your garden, adding some sand or compost can help improve drainage.
- Select an area that receives full sun exposure
- Avoid planting in areas with heavy clay soil
- Add sand or compost if necessary to improve drainage
Planting Blue Sage Plants
If you’re starting your blue sage plants from seed, sow them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area.
Once the seedlings are large enough (around 3 inches tall), they can be transplanted outdoors into their permanent location.
If planting mature plants directly into your garden bed, space them around 12-18 inches apart.
- Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last expected frost date
- Transplant seedlings outdoors once they are around 3 inches tall
- If planting mature plants directly into the ground space them approximately 12-18 inches apart
Caring for Blue Sage Plants
Once your blue sage plants are established, they require relatively minimal care.
Water them regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilizer is not necessary, as blue sage can thrive in nutrient-poor soils.
However, adding a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season can help promote vigorous growth.
- Water regularly to keep the soil moist
- Avoid overwatering and waterlogging of your plants
- Fertilizer is optional but can improve plant growth if applied correctly
Pruning and Propagation
In late summer or early fall, it’s recommended that you cut back your blue sage plants by around half their size.
Doing this will encourage bushier growth and prevent the stems from flopping over due to their height.
Additionally, if you want to propagate your blue sage plants, take stem cuttings in early summer and root them in well-draining soil.
- Cut back plant height by around half in late summer/early fall
- This encourages fuller growth
Pest and Disease Control
Blue sage plants are generally resistant to pests and diseases; however, some common issues you may encounter include spider mites or powdery mildew on the leaves.
To prevent these problems from occurring or spreading further:
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- Avoid overcrowding of your planting bed
In Conclusion
Growing Blue Sage is an easy way for novice gardeners as well as experienced ones alike to add some color into their garden without having a lot of experience caring for a particular type of flower! This native perennial herb thrives when given full sun exposure, well-drained soil conditions and regular watering.
Take good care of your blue sage plants by pruning them in late summer/early fall, fertilizing them during the growing season, and taking stem cuttings if you want to propagate new plants.
