Growing Vibrant Black and Blue Salvia from Seeds

Black and blue salvia (Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’) is a stunning flower loved for its rich, saturated colors and towering height. The unique two-tone blossoms feature vivid iridescent blue flower spikes and deep midnight black bud sepals, creating a gorgeous effect. This tropical-looking salvia makes a dramatic statement in borders and containers, and hummingbirds can’t resist the nectar-rich blooms. Black and blue salvia thrives in zones 7-10, blooming from summer well into fall.

Read on to learn all about growing black and blue salvia from seeds. With proper care you’ll be rewarded with elegantly tall, colorful blooms.

An Overview of Black and Blue Salvia

Before diving into growing these salvias from seeds. let’s cover some basics about this variety

• Botanical Name – Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’

• Plant Type – Tender perennial grown as an annual in colder zones

• Mature Size – 4-6 feet tall and 3 feet wide

• Exposure – Full sun

• Soil – Moist, well-drained soil

• USDA Zones – 7-10

• Bloom Time – Summer to fall

• Key Features – Towering blue flower spikes with black calyces, attracts hummingbirds

With striking colors and a tropical look, black and blue salvia makes an eye-catching addition to beds, borders, and containers. Next, we’ll cover how to successfully grow these salvias yourself from seed.

When to Sow Black and Blue Salvia Seeds

As a long season, heat loving plant, black and blue salvia should be started indoors 8-10 weeks before your last expected spring frost.

For most zones, aim to sow seeds in early spring around February or March. Use sterile seed starting mix and plant the tiny seeds 1⁄4 inch deep. Maintain a soil temperature of 70-75°F for best germination, which takes 10-15 days.

Once seedlings emerge, grow them on under lights or in a sunny window at 65-70°F. Harden off the young plants for 7-10 days before transplanting into the garden after all danger of frost has passed, around late spring.

How to Grow Black and Blue Salvia from Seeds

Follow these tips for successfully cultivating black and blue salvia from seeds:

• Use fresh seed within 1-3 years for best germination

• Optionally pre-chill seeds in the fridge for 5 days before planting

• Sow seeds in sterile seed starting mix to prevent damping off disease

• Plant seeds 1⁄4 inch deep and keep soil evenly moist but not saturated

• Maintain a temperature of 70-75°F for optimal germination

• Cover newly planted seeds with plastic wrap or a humidity dome

• Once seedlings emerge, remove dome and grow on at 65-70°F with plenty of light

• Transplant outdoors after hardening off for 7-10 days

• Space plants 18-24 inches apart in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil

With the proper care, you’ll have success growing these stunning salvias from seeds!

Caring for Black and Blue Salvia Plants

Once established in the garden, black and blue salvia requires:

• Full sun exposure (at least 6 hours of direct sun per day)

• Spacing 18-24 inches apart

• Regular watering, especially in dry conditions

• Fertilizing every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer

• Staking tall stems as needed to prevent flopping

• Pruning back by 1/3 after initial summer bloom for re-blooming

• Mulching to retain moisture and reduce weeds

• Lifting tubers or taking stem cuttings before frost in zones 8 and below

With the right care, black and blue salvia will thrive through summer and fall.

Troubleshooting Common Black and Blue Salvia Problems

Here are some potential issues and solutions for black and blue salvia:

• Leggy, weak seedlings – Give more light, avoid overwatering

• Failure to bloom – Reduce nitrogen fertilizer, give more sun

• Leaf spots – Improve air circulation, promptly remove diseased leaves

• Inadequate blooms – Pinch back spent flowers, needs full sun

• Flopping stems – Stake tall flower spikes for support

• Root rot – Improve drainage, avoid overwatering

Pay close attention to your plants and act quickly to resolve any problems that arise.

Using Black and Blue Salvia in the Garden

With its exotic tropical look, black and blue salvia shines:

• As a backdrop in beds, borders, and containers

• Underplanted with lower growing annuals and perennials

• In pollinator and butterfly gardens

• In cutting gardens for vivid floral arrangements

• Alternating with other salvia varieties for extended color

Give black and blue salvia plenty of space to showcase its towering blue flower spikes and dark bud sepals. It makes an eye-catching statement plant.

Final Thoughts

With its saturated two-tone colors and elegant tall blooms, black and blue salvia is a stunning variety that will take your garden to new heights. Although a little patience is required when growing from seeds, the wait is well worth it. Follow the tips above for success raising your own black and blue salvia plants from seeds. Soon your garden will be buzzing with these beauties and the hummingbirds they attract!