How Fast Do Texas Sage Plants Grow?

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Willie writes on small engine repair, landscaping, and lawn care. He owned a professional lawn care business in Alabama for almost 10 years.

Texas Sage Growth Time

On average, it takes two years for Texas sage to grow and bloom. However, the plant will not flower until it’s established.

At maturity, the Texas sage can reach a height and spread of eight feet (2.44 m), though slight differences exist between varieties. It will grow at a medium rate and can have a life span of up to 40 years, depending on external conditions and maintenance.

Aside from environmental conditions, one more thing that affects the growth rate of Texas sage is the method of propagation. It’s slowest when you grow the plant from seeds, so you may want to grow Texas sage from cuttings instead. With the right approach, the roots can develop within three to four weeks.

Once Texas sage grows, it can produce beautiful flowers that will elevate any garden’s look. It blooms mostly after summer showers but can also flower from spring to fall, especially when it rains (source). The flowering can happen in bursts every four to six weeks.

While it’s a slow-growing plant, many people love how hardy it is once established, as it will require minimal care and maintenance. Not to mention, it’s drought-resistant. Even with minimal care, it will have intense blooms, especially as it matures, which can make the long waiting time for the plant to grow worth the wait.

How To Grow Texas Sage Plants

Like other plants, Texas sage has very specific growth requirements. It’s essential to pay attention to these things to help speed up the growth of Texas sage and ensure it blooms. Otherwise, it might take longer for the plant to establish.

Put Your Texas Sage Plant in Direct Sunlight

Texas sage requires full sun to grow (source). It will do well with reflected heat locations, especially in the fall or spring, and will do best in a location with six to eight hours of sun in a day. There’s no need to worry about heat exposure since Texas sage is known for being heat-tolerant.

In some cases, the plant can also tolerate partial shade. However, it increases the possibility of being leggy. Not to mention, it might inhibit flowering. As such, it’s better if you grow it in a sunny location.

Use Well-Draining Alkaline Soil

You don’t need nutrient-rich soil. However, Texas sage will grow best in dry but well-draining alkaline soil. Magnesium, calcium, and sodium are some nutrients present in alkaline soils, making them perfect for growing Texas sage (source). Soil with naturally occurring shells or lime can also be good for the plant.

Another important requirement for the soil is to have good drainage. Otherwise, it can be susceptible to different diseases, including root rot and chlorosis, which can kill the plant even before it fully grows.

See our guide to identifying the signs of overwatering plants.

Regularly Water Your Texas Sage Plant

Water Texas sage every five to seven days until it’s established. The top two inches (5.08 cm) of the topsoil must be dry before the next watering. If you live in a place that doesn’t get enough rainfall, water the plant in the summer to help promote faster growth.

Nonetheless, you should know when to stop watering.

Among others, you shouldn’t water in the winter. Otherwise, there is a lesser chance that the shrub will flower. It can also make the foliage flop and increase the possibility of root rot.

Prioritize Proper Plant Spacing

If you’re planting multiple plants in your garden, prioritize optimal spacing to give each plant enough room to grow. Plant Texas sage three feet (0.91 m) apart from each other. Additionally, they must be at least four feet (1.22 m) away from walkways or driveways and three feet (0.91 m) away from foundations.

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How To Care for Texas Sage

While Texas sage isn’t too demanding in terms of its maintenance requirements, you must have a proactive approach.

Doing so can help speed up the growth while making sure it stays healthy. It will also prevent pests and diseases from ruining the plant. While it’s hardy, that doesn’t mean you can ignore proper care of the plant.

Prune Regularly

Regular pruning helps promote the dense growth of Texas sage (source). Heavy pruning can make the plant bushier, especially when combined with full sun exposure. You can prune up to a third of its size, and the best times to prune are late winter and early spring.

Since the plant is a slow grower, you don’t need to prune or trim often. At a minimum, however, aim to do it once a year, which will keep the shrub in its best shape.

See Does Pruning Stimulate Growth? You Need To Understand This!

Use Fertilizer if Necessary

In most cases, you don’t need a fertilizer for Texas sage. However, test the soil if it isn’t flowering even after several years of planting.

A common problem is that the soil doesn’t have enough phosphorus. If that’s the case, choose a fertilizer to supplement the plant’s need for phosphorus.

Add Organic Mulch

To help establish healthier growth and prevent problems, adding organic mulch can help. Put it around the root zone, which will release a small amount of nutrients.

However, you should avoid adding mulch with high nitrogen, including grass clippings. Too much nitrogen can result in root growth stunting and excess foliage growth, among other problems.

Conclusion

Texas sage is not for those who want something that grows fast. It can take up to two years before it’s established. To make it grow faster and healthier, provide an ideal environment.

Fortunately, this plant isn’t too demanding in terms of maintenance. Even fertilizing is generally unnecessary.

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