With its lavender-blue flowers and silver-gray leaves, Russian sage is a beautiful perennial plant that is often used in gardens because it looks nice and can handle drought. As summer turns to fall, many gardeners dry the plant to keep some of its beauty. But can you actually dry Russian sage successfully?.
No, you can’t dry Russian sage. You can enjoy its pretty flowers and pleasant smell all year long. It’s easy to dry this herbaceous perennial if you know how to pick it, dry it, and store it.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about drying Russian sage, from ideal harvest times to specialized storage tips. Read on to learn how you can easily dry this garden favorite for lasting beauty and use.
When to Harvest Russian Sage for Drying
When you pick any plant to dry, the right time is very important. For the best results, cut your Russian sage stems when
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The plants are at peak bloom. This is usually in late summer or early fall The flowers will be fully open and vibrant
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The morning dew has fully dried. Harvesting while damp can encourage mold growth.
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The midday heat hasn’t yet set in. The essential oils that give Russian sage its fragrance are most concentrated in the cool morning hours.
Look for stems with full flower spikes that are free of insect damage or browning. Use clean, sterilized pruners to cut stems 6-12 inches long just above leaf sets. Remove any leaves that will sit in water when hydrating cuttings after harvest.
How to Dry Russian Sage Flowers and Foliage
One of the great advantages of Russian sage is that both its flowers and aromatic leaves dry beautifully. You have multiple options when it comes to drying methods:
Air Drying
This traditional approach simply involves hanging stems or laying flowers out to dry naturally.
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To hang, gather three to five stems and bundle them together by their ends. Hang the bundles upside down in a warm, dry, dark place with lots of air flow.
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For flat drying, spread flowers face down on mesh screens or burlap. Allow 1-2 weeks for full drying.
Sand Drying
Drying in sand keeps flowers and stems upright for better air circulation.
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Partially strip leaves from stems.
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Stand bundled stems in vases or jars filled with 2 inches of sand, flowers above sand.
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Change sand every few days to discourage mold.
Silica Gel
This desiccant substance efficiently pulls moisture from flowers.
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Place individual blooms face down on trays filled with silica gel beads.
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Flowers fully dry within 1-5 days.
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Reuse silica gel repeatedly.
Oven Drying
Using the lowest possible oven setting, blooms can be quickly dried:
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Arrange flowers face down on trays lined with parchment paper.
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Heat oven to 110-125°F with door propped slightly open.
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Dry 30-60 minutes until crispy. Check frequently to prevent scorching.
Microwave
Microwaving is fastest but won’t preserve flower shape as well.
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Place flowers between paper towels and microwave on low in 30 second increments.
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Let cool fully before removing to prevent burning.
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Best for use in potpourri or crafts.
Tips for Drying Russian Sage Perfectly
Follow these tips from expert growers and herb dryers to get the best results when drying Russian sage:
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Dry in complete darkness to prevent fading of colors.
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Allow ample warm, dry airflow around drying plants to discourage mold.
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Check bundles daily and promptly remove any moldy pieces.
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Dry flat materials between parchment paper under light weights.
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For hanging bundles, use breathable cloth bags rather than plastic.
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Keep flowers and leaves connected to stems for better preservation.
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Avoid overcrowding drying racks, screens, or bundles.
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Gently rinse dust off with cool water as needed and re-dry.
What to Do with Dried Russian Sage
The dried flowers, stems, and foliage of Russian sage can be used in a diverse array of projects:
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Craft beautiful wreaths and garlands for doors, mantels, and stair railings.
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Display in vases and jars as tabletop arrangements.
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Blend into potpourri for a refreshing, herbal scent.
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Mix into herbal teas, bath products, sachets, and aromatherapy blends.
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Glue delicate blooms onto candles, greeting cards, gifts, and other crafts.
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Fill small cloth bags to tuck in drawers and closets as fresheners.
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Use as everlasting filler in floral bouquets.
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Accent holiday decorations, tablescapes, and mantle displays.
Storing Dried Russian Sage Properly
To enjoy your dried Russian sage for years to come, be sure to store it properly:
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Keep in airtight glass jars or lidded tin containers in a cool, dark cupboard away from light, heat, and humidity.
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Consider adding moisture-absorbing silica gel packs.
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Check periodically for moisture buildup and dust. Freshen with gentle rinsing if needed.
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For the best longevity, avoid temperature and humidity fluctuations.
When dried with care and stored properly, the unique beauty of Russian sage can grace your home for multiple seasons. Experiment with these different techniques to find your favorite way of preserving this versatile plant. With its lacy foliage and vivid blooms, Russian sage is sure to lend long-lasting elegance and charm to your decor.
Where to store dry sage?
After drying the best option to store the dried sage is to store it in an airtight container. That is what I do with the sage leaves and flowers which I use for cooking. You can store dried flowers in another airtight container or in the shallow bowl. I then leave them somewhere in the room to make it smell nice.
How do you dry fresh sage quickly?
The quickest way to dry fresh sage is to dry it in the oven. I tried it on a couple of occasions but I was not completely happy with the results. I tried flowers and leaves at lower and higher heath and for shorter and longer periods of time, but they were always too dry and lost some of their scent. That is why I don’t practice it anymore. Instead, I prefer to leave it to dry on the wide tray for 5-6 days or even longer as it gives me much better results. Sage is a pretty hardy plant, so there’s no need to rush the process. If you put the drying tray somewhere cool and shady, the leaves and flowers will dry nicely and keep their color and scent.
7 Mind-Blowing Facts About Russian Sage You Won’t Believe! ✅ // Gardening Tips
FAQ
What is the best way to dry Russian sage?
It is easy to dry this hardy perennial. Once you cut off the blue spikes, tie with a string and hang for a few days so the greenery and stems dry. I use coat hangars in my garage. If it gets cool outside, put them in a basket over your fridge. The heat from the motor will dry them out nicely.
Is Russian sage good for anything?
A perennial plant with purple flowers, Russian sage not only looks great in a garden, but it also has a variety of medicinal benefits. Steep sage leaves in hot water for 15-30 minutes to create a medicinal tea that can help relieve stomach pain and indigestion. Tea made from Russian sage can also help break a fever.
How do you harvest Russian sage?
Harvesting. Russian sage is easy to dry. Just cut off the long spikes when they’re fully bloomed, tie them with string, and hang them upside down for a week or until the stems, leaves, and flowers are dry. Russian sage spires add sweet fragrance and style to fresh flower arrangements.
How do you rejuvenate Russian sage?
Follow these steps to prune Russian Sage while dormant:Cut back all growth from the past season to healthy buds, within 6-8 inches from the soil. Remove any dead branches as well as broken or damaged wood. Remove any skinny twigs incapable of supporting strong new branches next season.
Can you dry sage?
Yes, you can dry sage to prolong its shelf life. The good herb harvest can make your food taste better for many months, so you don’t have to worry about anything going to waste.
How do you prepare sage leaves for drying?
Remove sage leaves from the stem. Discard any damaged, moldy, or discolored leaves. Lightly rinse the leaves in cold water. This will remove dirt, chemicals, and small insects. Don’t let the leaves spend too much time in the water. Once dried and packaged, store the sage in a cool, dark, and dry place away from direct sunlight.
How do you know when sage leaves are sufficiently dried?
Leaves that are still somewhat pliable and do not crumble are not yet sufficiently dried. Once dried and packaged, store the sage in a cool, dark, and dry place away from direct sunlight.
What can I use instead of Russian sage?
Substitute Russian sage plants for catmint or lavender, as they are similar in appearance and cultural needs. Plant a dwarf variety as a stand-alone accent in a container. Combine with bold-foliaged plants such as canna lily, coral bells or lady’s mantle to create contrast in the landscape.
What kind of soil does Russian sage need?
Soil: Russian sage prefers average to lean soil with a slightly alkaline pH, though is tolerant of various soils. Plants may flop if soil is too rich. Make sure there is adequate drainage to prevent root rot. For containers, use a high-quality all-purpose potting mix.
What is the best oven setting for drying sage?
When drying sage in the oven, always use the lowest setting on your oven to preserve the flavor and oils of the herb.