Baby Sage Salvia microphylla var. microphylla 'Newby Hall'

Water

Baby Sage, also known by its botanical name Salvia microphylla 'Newby Hall', prefers moderate watering. During the growing season, water when the top inch of soil feels dry, which may be about once a week. Ensure the plant receives about one inch of water per week, which translates to roughly 0.623 gallons for an average-sized plant. Reduce frequency during winter months to prevent root rot, limiting watering to every two to three weeks, depending on the climate and indoor conditions. Always use a watering can or hose with a gentle flow to avoid soil erosion or damaging the plant's base.

Light

Baby Sage thrives in full sun to partial shade. Place it in a location where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If it is grown indoors, a south-facing window would be the ideal spot to provide the ample light it requires for optimal growth and flowering. Avoid deep shade as it can lead to sparse foliage and fewer flowers.

Temperature

Baby Sage performs best in temperatures between 60°F and 85°F. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to 20°F for short periods, making it suitable for USDA hardiness zones 7 to 9. Protect the plant from freezing temperatures to avoid damage to the leaves and stems. Ideal conditions are warm days and cool nights, typical of its natural habitat.

Pruning

Pruning Baby Sage encourages bushier growth and more flowers. Prune lightly in early spring to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged wood. After the first flush of blooms, trim the plant to encourage a second flowering. The best time to perform major pruning is after the last frost but before the plant starts its vigorous spring growth.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Baby Sage prefers a soil mix that drains well and is rich in organic matter, with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.0). An ideal mix would be two parts garden soil, one part peat moss or coconut coir, and one part perlite or coarse sand to ensure good drainage.

Repotting

Baby Sage should be repotted every 1-2 years or when it has outgrown its current container. The best time to repot is in the spring or early summer, giving the plant time to establish in warm growing conditions.

Humidity & Misting

Baby Sage thrives in moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable to different conditions. This plant does well in typical outdoor humidity and does not have specific high humidity requirements.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade.

• Hardiness zone

  7-10 USDA

Life cycle

Salvia microphylla var. microphylla 'Newby Hall', commonly known as Baby Sage 'Newby Hall', begins its life cycle when its seeds germinate, typically in warm soil conditions, where the embryo inside the seed grows into a seedling. As the seedling establishes itself, it develops a root system and sprouts its first leaves, entering the vegetative stage where it focuses on growth and photosynthesis. Following the vegetative stage, the plant enters the flowering stage, usually in late spring to early summer, where it produces small, vibrant flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the plant sets seeds which are either dispersed by wind, animals, or self-sowing directly beneath the parent plant. Once the reproductive stage is complete and the seeds have spread, the plant may either die back depending on the climate (if it's in a colder climate and not perennial) or it may enter a period of dormancy in colder seasons, only to regrow from the rootstock the following spring. This cycle continues yearly as the plant lives its perennial life cycle, growing, flowering, seeding, and sometimes experiencing dormancy in colder climates until its lifespan is complete.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-early summer

• Salvia microphylla var. microphylla 'Newby Hall', commonly known as baby sage, is typically propagated through semi-ripe cuttings during summer, which is the most popular method due to its effectiveness and simplicity. To do this, a gardener would select healthy, non-flowering shoots and cut sections about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. These prepared cuttings are then inserted into a mix of equal parts peat and coarse sand or perlite, which provides excellent drainage and air space for roots to form. The container with the cuttings should be kept in a warm place, out of direct sunlight, and the medium should remain moist but not waterlogged. Roots typically develop in a few weeks, after which the new plants can be gently removed and potted separately to grow on before planting out.