how do I get a cutting from sage?

Question

I have taken stalks from a silvery sage bush that blooms golden hard balls. I've tried just planting them in worked soil, but no luck. Any ideas?

Answer 1

In late summer or early in fall, cut the stems from the latest growth or the upper part of the older stems into 3- to 4-inch sections, each containing a set of leaves or leaf buds near its upper end. Removing the larger leaves and allow only the buds and young leaves to remain on the upper third of the section. Place cuttings in water as soon as they are removed from the plant.
Dip in a growing solution containing either a rooting hormone powder or soak the cutting in water prepared from willow branches for several hours, then plant in clean sand. Shield from the hot afternoon sun. Bright light, but not direct sunlight, is ideal. Keep the cutting moist. You can put it into a shallow box with a glass over it.
OR
After applying hormone powder, you can stick cuttings in a flower pot of clean sand & put a clear, thin polyplastic bag up over the pot and cuttings, twist shut at the top and tie with a rubber band. A stick or clipped wire clothes hanger in the pot higher than the cuttings keeps the bag from collapsing down around the plant material. This will keep humidity constant inside the bag, while the cuttings are growing roots.

Roots should develop in about 2 weeks, and in 4 to 6 weeks the cuttings should be ready to be put into potting soil or set in coldframes or in other places where they can be protected during the winter. Early in spring the plants can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Good luck! Hope this helps.