Harvesting sage

[Green Aura]

Our sage bush has grown tremendously this year. I don't think we've ever grown one big enough to do anything other than pick leaves as we require them.

I'm worried about the winter killing it so I'd like to cut it back and move it to somewhere more protected (it's in a pot).

How far back should I cut it?

[MKG]

Theoretically, back to healthy wood - but that's almost impossible to identify at the best of times. Here's what I've done with a sage plant for the past seven years ...

a) Don't cut it in autumn at all, as all that does is encourage fresh growth which then gets killed off in winter.
b) In the middle of winter, cut it back to one third of its height (half it it's a bit sparse) by going straight across the top with a hedge trimmer.
c) In late spring, cut out any dead wood remaining.

We have all the sage we can use from that single plant, and it hasn't looked like dying yet.

[Green Aura]

Thank you, I'll have a go at that.

[ojay54]

FWITWIf we ever lose anything potted overwinter(chocolate Cosmos springs to mind)it's because I've forgotten to wrap the pots....i.e. the roots have frozen,absolute killer.

[Green Aura]

I haven't got as far as the sage yet but I've harvested and dried a small shedload (technical term there ) of rosemary, lemon verbena and chocolate mint. Herbal teas sorted for the coming months.