Common Sage Pruning

Sage loses its youthful exuberance quite young, so seeing as its stopped flowering anyway, I'd say severe haircut time, as described earlier. If it doesn't do well after that (which I bet it will), then maybe think about pulling it out and replacing it.

 

Get some cuttings off it first because all the sages root up wonderfully easily.

 

Good idea Madahhlia What kind of cuttings should I take, and when?

 

http://www.hgtv.com/landscaping/take-a-cutting-and-make-it-grow/index.html

About 5" tip cuttings, could be less if longer are not available, cut just below a leaf node, trim off the lower leaves, pop into gritty compost, firm down, water, keep warm and light but not in the sun, and wait.
TBH, I would wait a bit as it's not warm enough now unless you have a heated propagator. You could try anytime up to August and end up with a result, usually.

 

hola Lorea, im also in northern Spain, the part without so much rain, and have both the common and tricolour salvias. I'll be cutting back my plants sometime this week down to the new growth and in summer deadhead the flowers clearing out any damage at the same time. The idea of cuttings is also a good idea

 

that is all great to know! just got myself a tiny sage, and wasn't even sure if it can be planted outside. it's on my windowsill at the moment. when can I plant it out?

 

Put it outside on mild days. When it's got used to being outside, plant it any time. If it's been indoors, don't put it out in frosty weather, but once it's acclimatised to the great outdoors they don't mind frost.

 

Do you know which one it is specifically? 'Common' sage (salvia officinalis) is pretty tough and will happily live outdoors, although as Madahhlia says, harden it off gradually first seeing as its been indoors. Some varieties are a bit more tender. I once lost a purple sage to a nasty cold winter.

 

It's a Common Sage. Thanks for all advice guys. I also have thyme, rosemary and oregano to take out to the garden.

 

Make sure the oregano gets the warmest, sunniest spot. That one is the most nesh of the herbs you've listed.

 

Right! Mine's chopped - a few twigs 12" tall. If it doesn't grow I'll be looking for someone to blame!

Four fat cuttings in the prop just in case.

 

Same here Madahhlia, after I dug it out from under a layer of frozen snow!

 

My Purple sage is a very sorry excuse of a few spindly twigs. Where it is it has 2 problems - 1 - not much sun and 2 - too many snails. Will it do ok in shade, or should I move the whole plant (and take cuttings) to a sunnier spot? I grow it primarily for the leaves to put in dishes, but would love it to flower too. As for the snails & slugs - I am preparing my battle plans even now........ (and no pellets in sight! )