How to take Salvia cuttings

Taking salvia cuttings is a common method for propagating these plants. Salvia plants are known for their colourful and fragrant flowers, and propagating them through cuttings can be an effective way to create new plants. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to take salvia cuttings:

What you’ll need:

• Healthy salvia plant
• Sharp, clean pruning shears or scissors
• Potting soil or a well-draining rooting medium
• Small pots or containers
• Plastic bags or a plastic dome to create a mini greenhouse effect

Steps for taking cuttings:

• Choose a mature, healthy salvia plant from which you’ll take the cuttings. Look for a plant that is free from pests and diseases and has vibrant growth.
• Ensure your pruning shears or scissors are clean and sharp. This helps reduce the risk of damaging the plant and ensures clean cuts that promote successful rooting.
• Locate a stem on the parent plant that is non-flowering and approximately 3-6 inches long.
• Make a clean, angled cut just above a bud so the plant recovers and grows more shoots.
• Remove any flowers or flower buds from the cutting to redirect the plant’s energy toward root development.
• Prepare the cuttings – you can dip the cut end of the stem into a rooting hormone powder. While this is optional, it can help promote root development.

Plant the cuttings

• Fill small pots or containers with well-draining compost with extra grit or perlite.
• Insert the cut end of each salvia cutting into the soil, burying it about 1-2 inches deep.
• Water the cuttings lightly to settle the soil around them.
• To increase humidity and create a favourable environment for root development, you can cover the cuttings with a plastic bag or use a plastic dome. This helps retain moisture. Keep the cuttings humid and sitting at around 18 degrees.

Provide proper care

• Place the potted cuttings in a bright, indirect light location. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can stress the cuttings.
• Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Keeping them aired will reduce fungal rot. Check the moisture level regularly and water as needed.
• After a few weeks to a couple of months, the cuttings should develop roots. You can gently tug on them to check for resistance, indicating successful rooting.
• Once the cuttings have established roots and have grown a bit, you can transplant them into larger pots or directly into your garden. Be gentle when removing them from the pots to avoid damaging the new roots.
• Provide regular care for your new salvia plants as they continue to grow, including watering, fertilizing, and proper sunlight.

Taking salvia cuttings can be a rewarding way to expand your garden with healthy, genetically identical plants. Remember to be patient, as it may take some time for the cuttings to root and grow.

As ever, if you’ve any questions, please do call or pop in!