In the Garden
Named for the uncanny pineapple scent of its foliage, pineapple sage is worth the wait. It is a seasonal treat that gives gardeners a sense of anticipation. A small plant set out in spring after the danger of frost has passed will grow into a branching plant 3 to 4 feet tall and nearly as wide by the time it blooms. It will then sprout spires of cardinal-red blooms in late summer and fall, just in time to refuel hummingbirds and butterflies for their fall migration. If you live in an area that does not freeze, blooms will continue all winter and sometimes all year.
Although cold hardy to about 20 degrees, pineapple sage is worth planting each spring in areas where it fails to return for another season. Try growing pineapple sage in sandy or otherwise sharply drained soil, which may allow it to tolerate colder temperatures by going dormant and sprouting new growth in spring.
Soil, Planting, and Care
Pineapple sage requires a place in the sunshine where the soil is well drained but moist and rich enough to support its rapid growth. Space plants 24 to 36 inches apart, and be sure not to plant them in front of other, smaller plants, as pineapple sage will grow large enough to block them out! Fertilize at planting with timed-released granules (these should carry the plant through the season), or follow up with a liquid plant food like Bonnie Herb, Vegetable & Flower Plant Food.
Keep plants watered the first couple of weeks after planting. After that, you should only need to water during drought. Drainage is essential during the growing season, and even more important during the winter if you want plants to return in spring.
Harvest and Storage
Pineapple sage is primarily used fresh. Cuttings are easy to root if you want more plants, or would like to keep a plant indoors for replanting in spring.
Clip pineapple sage leaves to use in summer beverages such as herbal teas or cocktails, muddled with lime juice, or chopped on fruit salad including its namesake, pineapple. The red flowers are nice tossed into a green salad, too.
Download our How to Grow Herbs instructions. They are in .PDF format.
Is pineapple sage used the same way as my other sage?
Do butterflies like pineapple sage?
Why is my pineapple sage blooming this spring if it’s supposed to bloom in fall?