How And When To Divide Salvia For Thriving, Long-Lasting Plants

Have you ever had a salvia plant begin to look a little tired or develop a dead spot in the middle? If so, you may have felt like you were doing something wrong, but this happens with many perennials as they age. It's the plant's way of telling you it's time for a refresh. This natural process typically shows as the center of the plant becoming woody and less productive. Dividing the plant breaks up the old, congested root ball and allows the plant to grow. It also improves air circulation and helps prevent diseases that can happen when plants are overcrowded. By carefully dividing perennials in early spring or in the fall, you can create new plants that can continue to grow and thrive for years to come.

The dividing process helps rejuvenate the original plant and gives you the opportunity to expand your garden or share the plants with friends and neighbors. The process is pretty straightforward: Dig up the plants and divide the root system. When done at the right time and with the right care, dividing salvia plants is a way to make sure the plants are healthy and growing well to produce their beautiful flowers. With some simple steps and a little patience, you will be able to revive your favorite plants and produce many more.

The vast Salvia genus, a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), includes almost 1,000 different cultivated varieties used for either cooking or as decorative plants, and sometimes both. Timing is important when dividing these plants. The best time to do it is when the plant is dormant, which can either be in the early spring or fall. Early spring is usually the most recommended time because it allows the new divisions to establish themselves before it gets too hot. You should avoid dividing salvias in the middle of summer when it's hot and dry or when they are flowering. Dividing the plant then will cause stress and prevent it from recovering.

You can also do it in the fall after the blooms have faded, and the plant is starting to slow down. If you do decide to divide in the fall, you need to do it when the new plants have enough time to establish roots before the ground freezes. A cloudy, overcast day is perfect, since it will help keep the exposed roots from drying in the sun.

Once you decide when you'll divide your variety of salvia, you can begin the process. Make sure to give the plant a deep watering a day or two before you intend to dig it out. This will soften the soil and reduce the amount of stress on the plant's roots. Gather your tools, which should include a shovel or garden fork and a sharp garden knife or a spade. Be sure to dig new holes where you would like to plant the new salvia divisions first, so they can be planted as soon as possible. Carefully dig around the entire plant, moving far enough out to avoid cutting too many of the roots. Lift the plant out of the ground with the shovel or the fork.

After the plant is out of the ground, gently shake off some of the excess soil to expose the root system. If the roots are not too dense, you can try to pull them apart with your hands. Look for sections in the root ball where the plant can be easily separated. If the root ball is tightly wound, use a sharp knife or the edge of a spade to cut through it. Each new division should have a healthy section of roots and several shoots. Immediately replant the divisions into their new spots, making sure to spread the roots out. Backfill the hole with soil, and gently tamp it down. Water the new plants well to help them settle into their new homes.