Autumn Sage Salvia greggii 'Sungold'

Water

Autumn Sage should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage a strong root system. During the growing season, generally water approximately once per week with about one gallon of water per plant, adjusting for local weather conditions, especially in hot, dry, or windy climates which might necessitate more frequent watering. Ensure the soil dries out between watering to prevent root rot. During winter or in cooler temperatures, reduce the frequency of watering as the plant requires less moisture when dormant.

Light

Autumn Sage thrives in full sun to light shade, but it will produce the most abundant blooms with the longest flowering season when planted in an area that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Ensure the plant is positioned where it can receive unfiltered sunlight for optimal growth and flowering potential.

Temperature

Autumn Sage is heat-tolerant and prefers warm conditions with temperatures ranging between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand occasional dips in temperature down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but it is best to protect it from prolonged freezes. Ideal growth occurs within the warmer end of this temperature spectrum.

Pruning

Prune Autumn Sage in the late winter or early spring to encourage new growth and maintain a compact, bushy shape. Remove any dead or damaged stems and about one-third of the plant’s height to promote vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Pruning can be done as needed throughout the season to shape the plant and remove spent flowers, which encourages additional blooms.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Autumn Sage prefers well-draining soil with a loamy or sandy texture, ideally with added compost or other organic matter. The best soil mix for Autumn Sage ('Sungold') would be a blend of two parts garden soil, one part sand or perlite, and one part compost or well-rotted manure to encourage drainage and fertility. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 8.0 for optimal growth.

Repotting

Autumn Sage should be repotted every 2-3 years to prevent root crowding and to refresh the soil. It's best to repot in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. If the plant shows signs of stress, like stunted growth or yellowing leaves, check the roots and repot if necessary.

Humidity & Misting

Autumn Sage thrives in low to moderate humidity levels typical of outdoor environments. It does not require high humidity and is quite tolerant of dry air, making it suitable for most home garden settings without the need for additional humidity adjustments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide full sun, well-draining soil, and moderate water.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  7-9 USDA

Life cycle

Salvia greggii 'Sungold', commonly known as Autumn Sage, begins its life cycle as a seed, which requires well-drained soil and full sun exposure to germinate effectively. Sprouting occurs when temperatures are favorable, usually in late spring or early summer, producing small seedlings with characteristically sage-like foliage. As the plant matures, it develops a woody base and branches out to form a bushy structure, adorned with vibrant gold flowers that bloom from mid-spring to early frost. Throughout its blooming period, Autumn Sage attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which aid in the pollination process. With proper care, including occasional pruning and watering during dry spells, it becomes a perennial plant, retreating into dormancy over the winter months before regrowing from its woody base each spring. After several years, productivity may decline, at which point the plant can be propagated from cuttings or allowed to self-seed, continuing its life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Fall

• Salvia greggii 'Sungold', commonly known as Autumn Sage, is best propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The ideal time for taking cuttings is late spring to early summer when new growth is mature enough yet still flexible. To propagate, a cutting of 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 centimeters) is taken from the tip of a healthy stem, just below a node. Leaves on the lower half of the cutting are removed, and the exposed stem is often dipped in a rooting hormone to promote root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that the nodes where the leaves were removed are buried in the soil. It's crucial to maintain moisture and provide a warm environment, but not direct sunlight, until the cutting has rooted, which typically takes a few weeks. Once the cutting has established a sufficient root system, it can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into the garden.