Should My Common Garden Sage Be Pruned Off For Winter?

Question

My common sage plants are young enough that they have not yet produced blooms. Our zone 6 autumn has been unusually mild, but bitter nights will be coming. The leaves still look good. Should I wait until they wither to cut the plants off, or do it now? Or would it be better not to cut them at all? ~~ Thanks

Answer 1

Most people wait till spring to cut back sage's old foliage. Leaving it for the winter can help protect the crown from the cold. Since you still have leaves you can cut some for wreaths or freeze for winter use.
This article tells a lot about sage:
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/sage-salvia-officinalis/

Answer 2

Generally, You will want to leave them alone so that they will have some strength to come back in spring. You can cut a little through the winter, just enough to use, but I would leave any pruning until spring.

This article will offer more information on the care of the plant:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/sage/how-to-grow-sage.htm