Autumn Sage Salvia greggii 'Strawberries and Cream'

Water

Autumn Sage should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. The plant is drought-tolerant once established, typically requiring less water. If the weather is particularly hot and dry, it may need additional water. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least 1 inch of water every week, either through rainfall or supplemental watering. During the winter months when the plant is dormant, reduce watering significantly, providing just enough to keep the soil from becoming completely dry.

Light

Autumn Sage thrives in full sun, needing at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day to flourish and produce blooms. The best spot for Autumn Sage is in a location where it receives plenty of morning light and some protection from the intense afternoon sun, especially in areas with hot summers. Areas with bright light and some afternoon shade can also be suitable, providing a balance of light for optimal growth and flower production.

Temperature

Autumn Sage does well in a range of temperatures but prefers to be in conditions between 50°F and 90°F. It can tolerate temperatures down to about 10°F, making it a hardy choice for many gardening zones. The plant prefers warm days and cooler nights and is well-adapted to withstand the hot temperatures of arid and semi-arid climates.

Pruning

Pruning Autumn Sage is essential to maintain its shape, encourage bushiness, and promote more vigorous blooming. Prune lightly in early spring to remove any frost-damaged stems and again in mid-summer to shape the plant and remove spent flowers. The best time for a more thorough pruning is late winter or early spring, before the onset of new growth, when you can cut the plant back by a third to promote fresh growth and flowers.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Autumn Sage requires well-draining soil with a slight preference for alkaline conditions, so a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 is ideal. A mix of regular potting soil, coarse sand, and compost works well. Amending the soil with perlite or small gravel can further improve drainage.

Repotting

Autumn Sage doesn't need frequent repotting; once every 2-3 years suffices. Always use fresh, well-draining soil and ensure the new pot is slightly larger than the old one.

Humidity & Misting

Autumn Sage thrives in moderate humidity environments; it does not require high humidity. Average room humidity is typically sufficient for this plant, but ensure good air circulation to prevent disease.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Autumn Sage needs bright light and occasional watering indoors.

• Outdoor

  Place Autumn Sage in full sun and well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  6-9 USDA

Life cycle

Salvia greggii 'Strawberries and Cream', commonly known as Autumn Sage, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in the spring, given appropriate warmth and moisture. The seedlings emerge and establish a root system, followed by the development of foliage — tender green leaves that harden as they mature. As it enters the vegetative stage, the plant experiences rapid growth of stems and leaves, preparing for the flowering stage. During the flowering period, which peaks in late spring to early summer and can continue into fall, the plant produces delicate flowers with a strawberry-and-cream appearance that attract pollinators. After pollination, seeds form and are eventually dispersed, enabling the continuation of the cycle. Autumn Sage, being a perennial, will then enter a period of reduced activity or dormancy in the winter, conserving energy for the next growing season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Summer

• The most popular method of propagating Salvia greggii 'Strawberries and Cream', also commonly known as Autumn Sage, is through semi-ripe cuttings. This typically involves selecting a healthy, non-flowering stem and cutting a piece about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long during the late spring or early summer when the plant’s growth is most vigorous. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone before being placed in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should then be kept in a warm, humid environment with indirect light until roots develop, which usually takes a few weeks. Regular misting helps maintain appropriate humidity levels around the cutting. Once the roots are established, the new Autumn Sage can then be transplanted into the garden or a larger pot.