It’s been a few years since I grew pineapple sage in my North Georgia garden, and I’ve learned that its ability to overwinter is unpredictable. Most years, I’ve treated it as an annual, but it blooms right up until our first frost in November so it’s a great plant to give your garden some color and it’s a source of food for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Recently, after spotting a plant at a local garden show, I decided to give it another shot. I have an ugly stump at the edge of my property beside my garden beds, and I thought the pretty red blossoms of pineapple sage would look great next to the purple catmint I planted last fall. Even if it only lasts one season, it’s definitely worth adding to the garden. I had been watching for blooms for the last couple of weeks and was afraid the heat of this summer might have affected the blooms. After returning from a short three-day vacation, I was thrilled to find it in full bloom, attracting butterflies seeking a last-minute treat before the cooler weather arrives. It is also a favorite of hummingbirds, but my feeders keep them well fed and they don’t have to work as hard.
Pineapple sage is very easy to grow. Follow these simple tips for growing.
Growing Tips
Annual or Perennial?
Pineapple sage is a perennial herb in USDA zones 8 to 11, meaning it can survive and grow year after year in warmer climates. In cooler zones, it may behave as an annual, dying back with frost. However, you can easily bring potted plants indoors during colder months or take cuttings to propagate. My growing zone has recently been upgraded from 7b to 8, so I am hoping mine will survive the winter. When it gets cold, I’ll cut it back and mulch it good to help protect it’s roots.
Where to Plant:
Pineapple sage thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Choose a spot with well-draining soil, rich in organic matter. When planting mine, I dug the hole the same depth of the pot I purchased it in. I added compost to the hole and back filled with soil. Water in deeply.
Watering:
Water regularly but allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Pineapple sage prefers moist soil but is susceptible to root rot if overwatered. During hot summer months, increase watering frequency but always check the soil moisture first. I do this following the finger test method. Just place your pointer finger down into the soil. If it comes back dry, water. If not, wait a couple of days then test again. It is always better to water less often, but water deep so the water reaches down deep into the soil. The encourages stronger deeper roots as they reach down into the soil to obtain water.
Fertilizing
A balanced fertilizer can be applied in early spring to promote growth. Pineapple sage is not particularly demanding, so avoid over-fertilizing to keep the plant healthy. All I added was compost to the hole and did not fertilize the rest of the summer.
Size and Growth
This herb typically grows between 2 to 4 feet tall and can spread up to 3 feet wide. Use as a bush in the back of your garden or as a stand alone plant.
Harvesting Pineapple Sage:
Pineapple sage is edible. You use the leaves of the plant which smell like pineapple. You can start harvesting pineapple sage once the plant has established itself, usually after about 6 to 8 weeks of growth. Like all herbs, it’s best to harvest the leaves in the morning when the oils are most concentrated. Simply snip off sprigs or individual leaves. Never over harvest your herbs. That means no more than 1/3 of the plant so that your will ensure you leave enough foliage for the plant to continue growing.
Propagating Pineapple Sage
Pineapple sage can be easily propagated through cuttings:
- Select a Healthy Stem: Choose a healthy stem that is about 4 to 6 inches long.
- Make the Cut: Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to take your cutting just below a leaf node.
- Remove Lower Leaves: Strip the lower leaves off to prevent them from rotting in water or soil.
- Rooting: Place the cutting in a glass of water or dip in a rooting medium and plant directly in potting soil. If using water, change it every few days until roots develop, usually within a couple of weeks.
- Transplant: Once roots are a few inches long, transplant the cutting into a pot or your garden.
You can also plant by seed. Sow indoors 4-6 weeks before your last frost and transplant outside when danger of frost is over.
Culinary Uses:
Did you know that pineapple sage leaves are edible? One simple way to enjoy the sweet taste is to add some leaves to a bottle of cold water while working in the garden. Put it in the refrigerator for a few hours then enjoy!
- Pick at the right time:Pick the herbs when they are most fragrant at their peak.
- Prepare the leaves:Trim off any debris or brown bits, rinse the leaves lightly, and pat them dry.
But Pineapple sage leaves are a fantastic addition to a variety of dishes. Their sweet, fruity flavor leaves add a unique flavor to a variety of dishes. You can use the pretty flowers as a garnish, or frozen in ice cubes.
- Teas: Brew fresh or dried leaves for a refreshing herbal tea.
- Salads: Add fresh leaves to fruit salads for a tropical twist.
- Flavored sugars: Use to flavor teas, cookies, cakes. Substitute pineapple sage sugar for the sugar in your favorite sugar cooking recipe. It will add a subtle pineapple flavor and add a touch of color to your sugar cookie. Sprinkle over your homemade granola for a burst of tropical flavor.
- Cocktails or Mocktails. Add a tropical twist to your cocktails by muddling pineapple sage leaves. Use to flavor or as a garnish.
2 Ways make Pineapple Sage Sugar:
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup fresh pineapple sage leaves
Place in a food processor or blender to chop the leaves well.
Store for a week or 2 to allow the sugar to absorb the flavor of the pineapple sage.
Alternative way to make pineapple sage sugar;
Layer the jar: Place a layer of sage at the bottom of the jar, then pour a ¼-inch layer of sugar over it. Repeat the layers until the jar is full, ending with a layer of sugar on top.
Store the sugar and herbs in a sealed jar in a cool, dark place.
Pineapple Sage Syrup:
To make a simple syrup, you generally want to use equal parts sugar and water and bring to a boil, simmer, and then cool. To make an herbed simple syrup, combine sugar and water and then add herbs. Store in the refrigerator for no more than two weeks. If you find you have made too much, you can freeze.
Pineapple Sage Spritzer
Ingredients:
- 6 pineapple sage leaves
- 1 lime wedge
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 ounces white rum
- 4 ounces club soda
- 1/2 ounce pineapple sage syrup
- 1 pineapple sage sprig, for garnish
Instructions:
- Muddle: In a cocktail shaker, muddle the pineapple sage leaves, lime wedge, and sugar until the flavors are released.
- Add ingredients: Add the white rum, club soda, and pineapple sage syrup to the shaker.
- Shake: Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish: Garnish with a pineapple sage sprig.
Enjoy your refreshing Pineapple Sage Spritzer!
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