One of the decisions that gardeners face in spring is what kind of potting mix to use for outdoor container plants. It can be confusing, especially for new gardeners.
For Salvia lovers, one perplexing decision involves plant selection for container gardens. Resolving that issue is relatively easy when accessing the Flowers by the Sea website on a laptop or desktop computer. Each time you open a plant category in the menu of our online nursery catalog, such as Salvias A to Z, a list of product filters appears including the subcategory “container plant.” Also, the Details List on the opening page of a plant description notes whether it is suitable for container growing.
A more confusing question concerns the best potting soils to use for Salvia container gardens. The Right Stuff
One of the first questions new gardeners raise is whether it’s okay to use regular soil in pots. The answer is almost always “no” although there are some organic potting mixes that include small quantities of garden soil. But soil from the ground compacts easily in containers, and this harms plants by decreasing the tiny spaces between soil particles through which water drains and roots access oxygen.
FBTS customers often ask us what kind of potting media to use for flowers in the Salvia genus — the 1,000-plus true sages. We say that it depends on the kind of sages you plan to grow and the types of mixes available at local garden centers and supermarkets — places where most people get potting soil.
That isn’t anywhere close to a sufficient answer, so we’ve created this guide — How to Select & Amend Salvia Potting Soils. It includes a broad range of information about potting mixes, including the purposes of particular components. The guide covers how to find a mix with good drainage — something crucial to success with Salvias — and how to amend mixes for sages that need either very little or a lot of water. And it touches on environmental concerns, such as local sourcing of soil mix ingredients and ways to recycle the material when it needs replacement. Let’s dig in. How to Select & Amend Salvia Potting Soils Soil Drainage & Moisture Retention
All Salvias need good drainage so that moisture, whether ample or extremely limited, isn’t retained overlong. So, rule number one in container gardening is that when selecting pots, you need ones with drain holes in their bases.
Rule number two is to test your potting soil for drainage before planting in it. Fill a small pot with the mix, add water, and then observe how long it takes for the soil to become saturated and for excess water to drain. It may be that the potting mix is too porous or hydrophobic (water resistant) due to not containing enough absorbent materials.
Rule number three is to perform the squeeze test with a bare hand after the excess water flows out. After the potting mix is saturated, compress a handful to feel whether it crumbles (good) or turns into a squishy lump (bad).
As you go through this process, keep in mind that some sages — such as ones native to arid settings — need minimal watering and rapid or “sharp” drainage. At the other end of the spectrum, you’ll find certain woodland riverbank species — such as Anise Scented Sage (Salvia guaranitica) — that tolerate lots of moisture and slower drainage.
The page that opens when you click on the Cultural Icons Tab for each plant description in our online catalog indicates how much supplemental watering the plant needs. This may affect what potting mix you choose. The watering categories are:
Soil is a complex mix of organic and inorganic matter as well as living organisms that may be beneficial (for example, earthworms) or harmful (like disease-causing bacteria) to plants. Its organic matter includes composted plant materials, such as leaves, and animal manure. The inorganic components in soil are sand, silt, and clay from erosion of various kinds of rock.
In contrast, potting soils are manufactured mixes that are often referred to as being “soilless.” Definition of Soilless Mix
Garden soils drain poorly in containers. Drainage of plants grown in the ground is aided by capillary action, a process that draws excess moisture downward. Planters have limited depth, so they reduce capillary action. This causes regular garden soil to compact and stress plant roots if used in containers.
Potting mixes are called soilless because they aren’t made of regular soil and are free of pathogens, insects, and weed seed. However, they do contain certain components often found in or added to garden soil, such as organic and mineral matter. These components aid the potting soil’s ability to hold and release moisture and to stimulate uptake of nutrients by roots. Potting Soil Components THE BASICS
Although garden centers sell national brands of potting soil, many also offer regional mixes that include materials sourced nearby and are related to the chemical structure of local water. From region to region, significant differences may exist between these mixes.
For example, the kinds of pine and fir bark used in mixes vary based on what is locally available. By resourcing soil mix components locally, manufacturers save money on transportation. A more exotic example of local sourcing is the “mastodon peat” from a Colorado Rockies archeological excavation site that a southwestern Colorado company includes in one of its coir-based potting mixes.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture doesn’t regulate the labeling of potting soil. Consequently, ingredient lists on these mixes often lack detail. But if you were to read closely the ingredient list on one major national brand, you’d notice an important regional difference between its New Hampshire potting soil and mixes for other states. The New Hampshire product contains Sphagnum peat moss but not peat. Why? We don’t know except that maybe Sphagnum is more plentiful in the New Hampshire area. Its definitely a better choice for balanced pH. Amending Mixes for Specific Salvias
Despite being native to a wide variety of countries and growing conditions, many Salvias are adaptable to standard mixes made up of the ingredients listed above.
Moisture-loving species also often thrive with rich soil. If that’s what our catalog notes for a Salvia or companion plant you intend to buy, make sure your potting mix contains fertilizer. Provide supplemental feeding by placing slow-release fertilizer beads on top of the potting mix or including soluble fertilizer in a regular watering one day a week.
Before potting a water-loving plant, you can also add extra compost to the mix at a ratio of about one-fourth compost to three-fourths potting soil. You may also want to boost water retention with a scoop of vermiculite.
Salvias at the other end of the water and fertility spectrum, such as FBTS Blue Tag Xeric Plants, need a more mineral-based soil. To our knowledge, there is no commercial mix that combines regular potting soil with a sharp-drainage, high-mineral material like a commercial cactus-and-succulent mix.
Instead of purchasing a full array of materials to make your own potting soil for super low water Salvias, try combining one-third cactus-and-succulent mix, with one-third standard potting mix, and one-third crushed lava rock (red scoria). Selecting Containers & Repotting
The most important rule to remember when container planting is to never put a small Salvia in a large container. Start small and size up as the plant becomes larger and well-rooted. Too much soil can lead to sogginess instead of the well-drained condition sages love. It’s a problem discussed in this article on Selecting and Arranging Pots.
The timing for sizing up depends on how rapidly a sage grows. All FBTS plants are shipped in 3.5-inch pots. A fast grower like Rhythm and Blues Anise-Scented Sage (Salvia BODACIOUS ‘Rhythm and Blues’) might be ready for a 7- to 8-inch pot (a gallon container) in about a week. Here is a helpful FBTS video about how to prepare a Salvia for repotting when its pot becomes too small for its roots (a condition called “rootbound”).
Two last thoughts about the potting process: First, don’t pack soil into a container. It should be loose and airy. Second, stop filling a pot about 1-inch below its lip so the soil doesn’t overflow when watered. Environmental Concerns
One environmental issue gardeners face when choosing potting soil is the sustainability of potting soil materials. For example, although there are peatlands from the tropics to the arctic, they cover only 3 to 5 percent of Earth’s surface and take about 1,000 years to form.
Consequently, more potting soil manufacturers are exploring the use of coir and rice hulls to replace peat products. Of course, transportation is also an environmental concern regarding coir, which is produced in the Caribbean, Mexico, South America, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka.
Considering these supply issues, an environmentally friendly choice is to recycle worn-out potting soil by using it as mulch or adding it to compost heaps. Avoid reusing it in pots even if you plan on topping it with fresh mix. This can lead to disappointing plant growth. Storage of Unused Potting Mix
Throughout the year, keep potting soil sealed in containers (the original bags, new garbage bags, or sanitized trash cans) and store it in dry locations like a carport, garage, or shed. Aside from soggy glop, open bags unprotected from the elements also lead to contamination by insect eggs, pathogens, and weed seeds. More Information on Container Gardening
Over summer, we all fall desperately in love with at least a few of our potted plants. Come autumn frosts, it’s difficult to watch them die. The solution for saving favorite perennials with roots that can’t handle freezing temperatures is to overwinter them indoors. If you’d like to learn how to do it, we recommend reading Quick Digs: Wintering Over Salvias Indoors.
Youll also find information about growing Salvias and companion plants in pots in the Container Gardening section of our Everything Salvias Blog. Please feel free to contact us at FBTS Farm and Online Nursery for any questions you may have about our plants or to share your experiences with container growing of sages. We would particularly appreciate comments here about what kinds of potting soils are working for you.
Photo Credits: Hands in Potting Soil, M Tullotes, public domain; Perlite Boulders, RG Johnson, National Park Service, public domain; Rice Chaffs(hulls), GNU free documentation license; Ponderosa Pine, Walter Siegmund, GNU free documentation license; Sphagnum Peat Moss, Ragesoss, GNU free documentation license; Anthophyllite Vermiculite, Leon Hupperichs, CC Attribution Share Alike 3.0.
Autumn sage, also known by its botanical name Salvia greggii, is a gorgeous flowering perennial that brings vibrant color to gardens in late summer and fall With its drought tolerance and nearly non-stop blooming from spring to frost, it’s easy to see why gardeners love this native Texas plant However, to get the most out of your autumn sage, it’s crucial to plant it in the right type of soil. In this article, we’ll explore how to choose the ideal soil for autumn sage so your plants can thrive.
Autumn Sage’s Soil Needs
Autumn sage is flexible when it comes to soil pH, tolerating acidic to alkaline conditions. However, it has some specific soil texture and drainage requirements. This plant hates wet, dense, clay soil, which does not allow water to percolate through. Sitting in moisture will cause the roots to rot. Instead, autumn sage thrives in light, gravelly, fast-draining soils. Adding organic material like compost can improve dense soils.
Full sun is best for autumn sage, though it tolerates some afternoon shade Fertile ground encourages growth, but this plant is not a heavy feeder. In fact, rich soil may produce all leaves and few blossoms Proper drainage and sunlight are more critical than soil nutrients.
Well-Draining Soil Options
To provide the quick drainage autumn sage requires, certain soil types or mixes work best:
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Sandy loam – This balanced soil containing sand, silt, and clay drains rapidly while still retaining moisture well. It’s an ideal choice for autumn sage.
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Cactus/succulent mix – Blended for proper cactus and succulent growing conditions, these mixes offer excellent drainage to prevent rot. They work perfectly for sage.
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Rocky or gravelly soil – Autumn sage thrives in rocky conditions with gravel, small stones, and sand. Soil amendments are rarely needed for these naturally well-draining soils.
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Sand or perlite amended soil – To improve drainage in dense clay or silt soils, amending with sand or perlite creates air pockets for better permeability.
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Raised beds – Building raised beds allows you to create ideal sandy, loamy soil even if your native ground is poor draining clay.
No matter which soil type you select, ensure the bed drains well by digging in organic material, sand, gravel or perlite. Never plant autumn sage in a low-lying area where moisture collects.
How to Prepare Autumn Sage Soil
Follow these tips to get your autumn sage soil ready for planting:
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Test soil drainage by digging a 12″ deep hole and filling with water. It should drain fully in less than 12 hours.
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Check that soil pH is between 6.0-7.5. Adjust with sulfur to lower or lime to raise as needed.
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Mix in 2-4 inches of compost to improve fertility and texture of native soil.
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If soil remains dense, add equal parts sand and compost to lighten it.
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For raised beds, use a quality potting soil amended with 1/3 part perlite or sand.
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Rake soil smooth, remove sticks, rocks and debris.
Your autumn sage will thrive in its first year if planted in properly prepared soil. Just take care not to overwater, as too much moisture is more detrimental than slightly infertile soil. Provide full sun, plant atop raised mounds if drainage is iffy, and limit water to 1” per week. With ideal growing conditions, your autumn sage will reward you with vivid blooms and carefree beauty.
Digging Into the Details: Autumn Sage Soil Needs
Now that we’ve covered the basics of choosing the right soil, let’s dig a little deeper into autumn sage’s ideal soil requirements:
Drainage
This factor cannot be overemphasized – excellent drainage is absolutely crucial for autumn sage. Stagnant moisture around the roots will lead to rot and plant death. Select fast-draining locations or amend soil with sand, gravel or perlite to improve permeability.
Nutrient Levels
While compost provides nutrition, autumn sage does not need highly fertile soil. Too much nitrogen causes excessive foliage growth rather than flowers. Unless your soil is very poor, no fertilization is required once planted.
Soil pH
Autumn sage tolerates a wide pH range between 6.0-7.5. Acidic or alkaline conditions are fine, as long as the soil drains well.
Soil Texture
A balanced loam texture with sand, silt, and clay is optimal. Too much clay causes poor drainage and compaction, while pure sand cannot retain moisture. The ideal soil has just enough clay to provide moisture retention while draining fast.
Sun Exposure
Autumn sage thrives in full sun. Flower production will decrease with too much shade. Choose planting sites that receive at least 6 hours of direct sun per day.
Organic Matter
Compost, aged manure, peat moss, and other organic matter improves texture, drainage, and moisture retention in all soil types. Incorporate 2-4 inches into existing soil before planting.
By understanding autumn sage’s preferences and selecting suitable soil, you can avoid frustration and enjoy this gorgeous bloomer. A bit of planning and soil prep goes a long way towards success with this beauty!
Step-By-Step Soil Prep Tips
Follow this simple step-by-step process to get your autumn sage soil ready for planting:
Step 1: Test Drainage
Dig a 12″ deep hole and fill with water. The water should drain completely within 8-12 hours. If not, amendments are needed.
Step 2: Check pH
Use a soil test kit to determine pH. Autumn sage thrives between 6.0-7.5. Adjust if needed.
Step 3: Amend Texture
If soil is dense clay, mix in 2-4″ of compost plus equal parts sand or perlite.
Step 4: Boost Nutrients
Mix 2-3″ of compost into the top 6-12″ of soil to add organic matter and nutrients.
Step 5: Smooth and Clear Surface
Rake away rocks, sticks and debris. Create raised mounds if drainage is marginal.
With these simple steps, your autumn sage is sure to get off to a great start!
Common Soil Problems and Solutions
Even when you think you’ve prepared the soil properly, issues can sometimes pop up. Here are solutions to some common autumn sage soil problems:
Problem: Soil drains slowly, puddles form after rain
Solution: Amend soil with sand or perlite to improve drainage. Plant on raised mound.
Problem: Leaves yellow, plant declines
Solution: Improve drainage. Ensure plant is not overwatered.
Problem: Few flowers, only leggy growth
Solution: Soil may be too rich. Don’t over-fertilize and ensure full sun exposure.
Problem: Plant dies
Solution: Roots rotted from wet soil. Improve drainage before replanting.
With some adjustments, you can get your soil into tip-top shape for a thriving autumn sage planting.
Ideal Soil Recipe for Autumn Sage
Here is an ideal soil recipe if you want to create a custom blend from scratch for your autumn sage:
- 1 part potting soil for moisture retention
- 1 part compost for organic matter and nutrients
- 1 part coarse sand or perlite for drainage
- 1/2 part peat moss to fluff texture
Simply mix these ingredients together thoroughly before filling your planting beds or containers. This blend perfectly mimics the light, gravelly soils that autumn sage loves.
Autumn Sage Soil Needs: Final Tips
Autumn sage offers season-long color, drought tolerance, and a carefree nature – but only with the right soil conditions. Here are some final tips:
- Excellent drainage is absolutely critical – amend if needed
- Full sun exposure boosts flowering
- Moderate fertility is fine – avoid over-fertilization
- Watch for signs of overwatering like yellow leaves
- Raised beds provide ideal conditions
Give your autumn sage well-drained, light soil and plenty of sunshine for this native Texas plant to really shine. The vibrant blossoms will brighten your garden through the fall. With a bit of planning and soil prep, autumn sage is sure to thrive for years of beauty.
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Some Components of Potting Soil
Perlite as found in nature
August Companion Plants – Autumn Sage
FAQ
What kind of soil does Autumn Sage like?
What soil should I use for sage?
What is the best soil mix for salvias?
Can Autumn Sage be grown in pots?
How to grow autumn sage?
Autumn Sage is a popular plant among gardeners because of its beautiful flowers and ease of care. Here are some tips on how to grow Autumn Sage: Choose the right location: Salvia greggii prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Make sure to choose a location that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.
How do you plant autumn sage?
Autumn sage can survive in very lean soils, and for this reason, amending the planting site is not necessary. Dig a hole the same depth as the pot it arrived in and at least twice as wide. Place the sage into the hole and backfill with soil. Water it in well and provide regular water for the first few weeks until it has become established.
Does autumn sage need more humidity?
Autumn Sage doesn’t require additional humidity. Plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves, so the best way to provide humidity for your plants is through watering the soil. Autumn Sage does best in well-draining soil.
Is autumn sage easy to care for?
Autumn Sage is generally considered an easy-to-care-for plant and makes a great choice for beginners! Autumn Sage prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly.