Planting
When to Plant Salvia
Salvia plants can either be grown from potted nursery stock or seeds, and planting times vary for each.
- If you’re working with a potted plant, aim to plant salvia after the last frost date of spring or several weeks before frosts are expected in fall.
- If you’re growing salvia from seeds instead, direct sow the seeds outdoors after the risk of frost has past. Cold stratification is not needed with most types of salvia.
Where to Plant Salvia
All salvias do best in well-draining locations that receive at least 6 to 8 hours of full sun per day. Some varieties, particularly those with light-colored flowers, can also handle part-shade although flowering may be reduced.
How to Plant Salvia
To grow salvia from potted plants:
- First, loosen the soil to a depth of 12-inches and remove any large stones or invading roots. Mix in a 3-inch layer of compost to increase soil fertilitiy.
- If you’re planting salvias in a container, add some grit to the compost to improve drainage and nutrition absorption. Perlite or coarse sand should do. Small, annual salvias can be kept in 8 to 10-inch diamater containers, but most bigger plants do better in 3 to 5-gallon pots (minimum).
- If you’re planting salvias in the garden, dig a hole that’s twice the diameter of the container the plant is in, remove the plant from its container, and place it in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. If you’re growing multiple plants together, space them 1 to 3-feet apart.
- Carefully fill in around the plant and firm the soil gently, add mulch, and water thoroughly.
To grow salvia from seeds:
- Start the seeds indoors about 10 to 12 weeks before your last spring frost date. Lightly press the seeds into the top of your seed starting mix, don’t cover the seeds up, and keep the pots evenly moist until the seeds germiante. Then, harden the seedlings off before transplanting them outside when the weather warms.
Growing
Watering
Salvias have moderate watering needs and should be provided with about 1-inch of water per week if rainfall is scarce. They do not need excessive irrigation. Potted plants may require more frequent watering than plants in the garden.
Adding a 2-inch layer of mulch around salvias after planting helps retain soil moisture levels and block out weeds.
Fertilizing
Too much fertilizer can cause salvias to leaf out and produce minimal flowers. To avoid this, keep fertilizer to a minimum and only feed container-grown plants once in spring with a liquid organic fertilizer. Plants in the garden generally won’t need any fertilizer, but you can apply a side-dressing of compost once a year in spring if they look like they need a pick-me-up.
Pruning or Maintenance
Deadheading salvias regularly is an easy way to extend their bloom time and keep plants looking trim. Some varieties develop woody stems with age, which can be pruned away to improve the look of the plant.
Seasonal Care
At the end of the season, leave salvia flowers in place to encourage reseeding and feed the birds. In spring, remove the dead stems down low to the ground but don’t trim into fresh new growth. Don’t prune back woody varieties too hard into old woody sections or they may not regrow.
In spring, apply a fresh layer of compost and mulch to freshen up your plants. Then, divide perennial salvias every few years in early spring before new growth begins. Just lift the plants up, divide them into clumps, and replant!
Types
Belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae), the Salvia genus comprises roughly 960 unique species, including a mix of hardy perennials and tender perennials that are commonly grown as annuals. All salvias benefit pollinators and add aesthetic charm to cottage gardens, woodland gardens, and rewilded spots, but these must-have varieties are some of our favorites!
- Pineapple sage (Salvia elegans): Native to Mexico and Guatemala, this vibrant salvia features bright red, edible flowers and chartreuse green leaves that emit a fruity fragrance when crushed. Pineapple sage is usually grown as an annual, but is hardy in zones 8 and up.
- Autumn sage (S. greggii): This Texas native blooms from spring to frost in a rainbow of colors and is naturally disease-free and drought-tolerant.
- Pitcher sage (S. azurea var. grandiflora), aka blue sage: Found throughout the eastern and central United States, this native plant is prized for its aromatic foliage and large, sky-blue flowers that bloom in late fall.
More Like This
Unlike annual salvias, which will not return the following year, perennial salvias should show new growth each year. However, many factors can affect their timing. Are these established plants? If so, look for them to start new growth around the same time as last year, although certain stresses may cause delays. Is there any sign of damage to the two plants, from overwintering, animals, or disease/insects? If not, your salvias likely should start growth by mid to late May, but this can depend on species--some emerge later than others. A period of warmer weather may help to wake them up. For more information about how salvias are emerging in your area, you might try contacting a local garden center or your county's Cooperative Extension--contact information can be found here:
https://extension.psu.edu/county-offices
Hope this helps!
Hi Michael,
In your area, it is best to just leave the stems alone until early spring—when the chance of frost has passed—and new growth begins. At that time you can prune away the old stems. This will help to avoid any freeze damage that could take place during any cold stretches this winter.
Hope this helps!
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