[Lulu]

Hi - looking for some advice on my 2 sage plants ( 1 purple, 1 green) both of which are about 4 -5 years old and looking straggly and leggy.  Can I cut them back or am I looking at replacements?

[DD.]

I replace mine every 2-3 years.

A doddle to grow from seed - I've a tray full in the greenhouse now.

Or you could try "layering" your present ones.

[arugula]

Yes you can cut them back hard too.

[Lulu]

DD - sorry to be ignorant but what is 'layering'?

[arugula]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Layering

[JayG]

Sage propagates easily from cuttings too - just cut off a shoot which includes some semi-ripe stem (i.e. not the very oldest bits), remove any lower leaves, push a few inches into the soil, and keep watered. Should root within a few weeks at this time of year and produce a new plant.

Also agree with Argyllie that it can stand cutting back harder than some other herbs which become a bit woodier than sage does and don't regenerate very well as a result.

[Lulu]

Thanks for your replies  - I will take some cuttings and then cut back quite hard (I like chopping!).  I will try it this weekend.