Baby sage, also known as Salvia microphylla, is an aromatic herb that is popular for its culinary and ornamental uses With its attractive foliage and blooms, baby sage makes a great addition to gardens, containers or in the kitchen When planting baby sage, proper planting depth is key to helping the plant establish and thrive.
Overview of Baby Sage
Baby sage is a woody-based perennial that is native to central and southwest Texas as well as Mexico. This plant is known for its small, rounded leaves that emit a pleasant, sage scent when crushed. The leaves can range in color from gray-green to purple. From early summer into fall, baby sage produces slender flower spikes lined with tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, purple or white.
This hardy plant grows 1 to 3 feet tall and spreads 1 to 2 feet wide. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Baby sage is drought tolerant once established. It attracts pollinators while repelling deer.
Recommended Planting Depth for Baby Sage
When planting baby sage, a good rule of thumb is to plant it at the same depth it was growing in its nursery pot. The ideal planting depth is:
- Plant with the top of the root ball level with the soil surface
- Ensure the root crown (where the roots meet the stem) is right at soil level
Planting the baby sage at the proper depth prevents issues like rot poor growth and death. Shallow planting exposes the roots while deep planting can lead to stem rot and poor drainage.
Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Depth
Follow these simple steps for planting baby sage at the ideal depth:
1. Dig a Hole
Dig a hole that is about twice as wide and just as deep as the nursery pot. Using a wider hole reduces competition from surrounding soil and gives the baby sage room to establish.
2. Loosen Roots
Gently remove the baby sage from its pot, loosening any circled or matted roots. Trim any damaged roots. This encourages good root growth.
3. Place in Hole
Place the baby sage in the hole so the root crown sits level with the soil surface. The top of the root ball should be flush with the surrounding soil.
4. Backfill Soil
Fill the hole with the excavated soil, gently firming it around the baby sage with your hands. Ensure no soil covers the root crown.
5. Water Well
Water thoroughly until the soil is moist but not saturated. Proper watering promotes root growth into the surrounding soil.
Soil Requirements
In addition to proper planting depth, baby sage thrives in well-draining soil. Ideal soil conditions include:
- Well-draining soil with a mix of sand, silt, clay and organic matter
- Neutral pH between 6.5 to 7.5
- Consistent moisture but not waterlogged
Amend clay or sandy soils with compost to improve drainage and nutrient retention. Test soil prior to planting and adjust pH if needed.
Ongoing Care
Once planted at the proper depth, baby sage requires minimal care:
- Water 1 to 2 inches per week during summer and reduce in winter. Don’t overwater.
- Fertilize in spring with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer.
- Prune lightly after flowering to promote new growth.
- Divide large plants every 2 to 3 years in spring.
- Mulch plants to conserve moisture and limit weeds.
Planting baby sage at the correct depth sets up the plant for success. Follow the tips above to ensure the root crown sits level with the soil and the roots have room to spread out and establish. Pair proper planting depth with well-draining soil, regular water and minimal care for a long-lasting baby sage plant.
Frequency of Entities:
how deep does baby sage plant need to be planted: 5
https://www.dearplants.com/baby-sage-salvia-microphylla/: 1
https://www.almanac.com/plant/sage: 1
https://www.gardenia.net/plant/salvia-microphylla-red-velvet-baby-sage: 1
Taxonomy Scientific name
Baby Sage needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5″ pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every 9
Does your plant get direct sunlight? No Yes
Select the pot size
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How to fertilize Baby Sage
Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plants nutrients, repot your Baby Sage after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.
Baby Sage is generally considered an easy-to-care-for plant and makes a great choice for beginners!
Baby Sage prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Baby Sage requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive . Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home .
Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.
If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.
Baby Sage doesn’t require additional humidity. Plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves, so the best way to provide humidity for your plants is through watering the soil.
Baby Sage does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
Baby Sage should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
Baby Sage is native to Worldwide.
Baby Sage grows along the ground and sends out shoots which will spread across the soil.
USDA Hardiness Zone Baby Sage can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 7a-10b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Baby Sage can be propagated by division into new individual plants.
- Check to see if there is more than one plant. In some cases they may still be beneath the soil surface. If you feel confident, you may remove the soil to check for baby plantlets below!
- If there are multiple plants growing, unpot the plant and gently tug the plants apart, being careful not to disturb too many of the roots. They may be connected by large root segments which you may need to break to free the plantlet.
- Pot up the new plant in well-draining soil
- Repot the parent plant back into its original pot
When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.
Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.
Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.
Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.
How to Prune Salvia to Get Continuous Blooms!! Learned this by Accident! My Selective Pruning Method
FAQ
How deep does the soil need to be for sage?
How deep to plant sage seedlings?
How to plant Baby Sage?
How tall does Baby Sage grow?
How big does baby sage grow?
Baby sage (Salvia microphylla) is a shrub that can grow 50cm – 1.5m tall and 50cm – 1.5m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Baby sage (Salvia microphylla). This plant is commonly known as baby sage. This is a evergreen plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.
What type of soil does baby sage grow in?
Baby sage (Salvia microphylla) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in chalk, loam or sand. The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline. The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals.
How do you grow sage in a garden?
Use these tips to choose the perfect spot in your garden. You can grow sage in the ground, raised beds, or pots, as long as it gets full sun and well-drained soil. Keep your plant sheltered from strong winds, and give it enough space to allow airflow as it grows.
How far apart should Sage be planted?
Planting directly in the ground: If you’re growing your sage directly in the ground or in a garden bed, space out your plants roughly 24 to 36 inches apart. Be sure to plant them in an area with plenty of sunlight and rich, well-draining soil. You can give your soil a boost by adding some compost or other organic matter to it.