From our perspective, our roots are our entire world. They are how we drink and eat. The soil you plant us in is our atmosphere. The single most important concept for you to understand is that we, Mediterranean sages (Salvia officinalis), crave excellent drainage and abhor "wet feet." Our native habitat is rocky, sun-baked hillsides with poor, gritty soil that drains almost instantly. When our roots are constantly surrounded by soggy soil, they cannot access the oxygen they need, and they begin to rot. This rot is a death sentence for us. Therefore, the guiding principle is not to water on a strict schedule, but to water only when our soil environment has become dry.
We communicate our needs quite clearly if you know how to observe us. The most reliable method is the "finger test." Please insert your finger into the soil up to the second knuckle (about 2 inches deep). If the soil at that depth feels completely dry and crumbly, it is time for a drink. If you feel any moisture or coolness, please wait. For a more high-tech approach, a moisture meter can give you a precise reading deep in our root zone. Visually, you might notice our typically firm, slightly silvery leaves begin to look a bit limp, dull, or soft when we are thirsty. However, it is far safer to err on the side of underwatering than to wait for this sign.
When our soil is dry, we appreciate a thorough and deep watering. This means slowly pouring room-temperature water onto the soil around our base until you see water begin to flow freely out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This practice encourages our roots to grow deep and strong as they follow the moisture down. A deep, robust root system makes us healthier and more resilient plants. Please ensure we are never left sitting in a saucer of drained water; this re-creates the waterlogged conditions we despise. Always empty the saucer after watering.
Our water needs are not constant throughout the year. They are directly tied to the amount of light we receive and our growth phase. During the long, bright days of spring and summer, we are in our active growth period. With more sunlight, we photosynthesize more and grow faster, which means we will use water more frequently. You may need to perform the finger test every 5-7 days. In the fall and winter, the days are shorter and the light is less intense. Our growth slows dramatically, a period of dormancy. During this time, our soil will take much longer to dry out. You may only need to water us every 2-3 weeks, or even less. Always let the soil condition, not the calendar, be your guide.
Several factors you control directly impact how often we need water. The type of pot is crucial: a porous terracotta clay pot allows moisture to evaporate through its walls, drying the soil out faster than a plastic or glazed ceramic pot. The size of the pot also matters; a small pot dries out quicker than a large one holding more soil volume. Most critically, the soil mix must be very well-draining. A standard potting mix amended with perlite, coarse sand, or pumice (aim for a 25-30% amendment ratio) is ideal for mimicking our preferred gritty home. Finally, a sage placed in a south-facing window receiving intense light will dry out faster than one in an east or west-facing window.
