Sage in the summer can lose its perfume and dry if it is irrigated at the wrong time: here is the most common error that compromises leaves and aroma.
When it comes to aromatic plants, sage It is among the most loved presences in the garden or on the balcony. Its intense perfume, velvety leaves and the ability to resist difficult conditions make it an ideal partner, especially in the kitchen. Yet, with the torrid heat of mid -summer, she can also give way: the leaves flow, the aroma vanishes, the plant seems to have turned off. The reason? Often it is not the sun, but the water given at the wrong time.
It is easy to fall into the temptation to irrigate sage every time you notice a sad air or a little dryness in the soil. But this attitude can prove to be counterproductive, especially in the central months of summer, when humidity and heat create a delicate mix.
The most common error: wet the sage when the sun is high
Sage, like many Mediterranean plants, does not tolerate stagnant water or thermal changes caused by irrigation made in the hottest hours. When it watering with the peak sun, you risk:
- to create a thermal shock between cold water and boiling soil
- to cause burns on the leaves due to the drops that act like lenses
- to encourage the appearance of mold, especially at the base of the plant
The result is a plant that seems hydrated but in reality it is weakened. The leaves can blacken to the edges, the perfume decrease drastically, and in the worst cases the radical rot can start.
The best time to water (and when to avoid it completely)
The golden rule is simple: irrigate only early in the morning or sunsetwhen the ground is still fresh and the water can penetrate slowly without evaporating immediately.
In the height of summer, if the sage is in pots and well exposed to the sun, a good practice is to control the soil with a finger. If the first 2-3 cm are dry, then you can proceed. But never let yourself be guided by instinct: the slightly soft leaves do not always mean thirst.
Furthermore, in the damp days or after short summer thunderstorms, it is good completely avoid wateringeven if the sun immediately returns to beat. The risk of excess water is always around the corner.
How to keep sage perfumed and healthy all August
In addition to irrigation, there are other small tricks that help sage to remain beautiful and aromatic:
- place it in a well -drained vase, with a layer of expanded clay on the bottom
- Avoid sauces that retain the water, especially in very hot balconies
- regularly remove the dry flowers to stimulate new leaves
- prune slightly if it starts to become woody, especially after the most intense heat
A good idea is also rotate the vase Every 2-3 days if the plant receives sun on one side: this promotes more harmonious growth and maintains the compact hair.
Those who have a small vegetable garden can plant sage next to lavender or rosemary: they protect each other and create an aromatic band that resists well even in the drier periods.
A perfume that tells the summer
Those who have already caressed the sage leaves under the July sun know well how intense their perfume can be. A rough but sweet aroma, which tastes of ancient cuisine and sunny courtyards. Protecting him means respecting his times and his balance.
In mid -summer, when temperatures are more aggressive and the water seems the only solution, stopping a moment before watering can make the difference. Sage does not ask much: Just a little attention in the right moments. And in return, it will continue to give perfumed leaves, ready to use or simply to smell every time you pass by.
Photo © Stock.adobe
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