How to Grow Vibrant Black and Blue Salvia from Seeds

Black and blue salvia (Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’) is beloved for its stunning two-tone flowers and tropical flair. The spires of rich, cobalt blue blooms emerge from dark inky black calyces, creating an eye-catching contrast. This elegant salvia reaches towering heights, making it perfect for borders, cutting gardens, and containers.

I’m excited to share tips on growing black and blue salvia from seeds. With proper care you can enjoy these exotic-looking flowers from midsummer into fall. Read on to learn all about

• Black and blue salvia seed starting basics
• When to sow seeds indoors
• Step-by-step planting instructions
• Caring for salvia in the garden
• Troubleshooting problems
• Using black and blue salvia in garden designs

Black and Blue Salvia Seed Basics

Botanically called Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’ this popular salvia variety is a tender perennial grown as an annual in zones 7-10. Here are some key facts about the seeds

• Seed Viability: 1-3 years when stored properly
• Optimal Soil Temperature: 70-75°F for sprouting
• Days to Germinate: 10-15 days
• Plant Height: 4-6 feet
• Plant Width: 2-3 feet
• Bloom Time: Midsummer to fall
• Sun Exposure: Full sun

When to Start Black and Blue Salvia Seeds

Since black and blue salvia needs a long warm season to thrive, it’s best to start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost date.

For most zones, aim to sow seeds in early spring around March. Use sterile seed starting mix and plant seeds 1⁄4 inch deep. Maintain a soil temperature of 70-75°F for quick germination.

Once seedlings emerge, grow them on under lights or in a sunny window. Transplant outdoors after hardening off, spacing 18-24 inches apart.

Step-By-Step Guide to Growing from Seeds

Follow these simple steps for successfully growing black and blue salvia from seeds:

1. Presoak Seeds

Soaking salvia seeds for 24 hours before planting hastens germination. Place seeds in a cup of room temperature water.

2. Fill Containers with Seed Starting Mix

Sterile, soilless mix prevents damping off disease. Fill containers or cell packs with premixed seed starting medium.

3. Plant Seeds

Sow presoaked seeds 1⁄4 inch deep in the seed starting mix. Space seeds 1-2 inches apart.

4. Provide Bottom Heat

Maintain a soil temperature of 70-75°F for best germination. Consider using a heat mat.

5. Cover Seeds

Cover freshly planted seeds with plastic wrap or a humidity dome to retain moisture.

6. Move to Light After Sprouting

Once seedlings emerge, remove any coverings and move to bright light.

7. Transplant Outdoors

Harden off young plants for 7-10 days before transplanting into garden beds after frost danger passes.

8. Space Plants Apart

Give black and blue salvia plenty of room, spacing 18-24 inches apart in full sun areas.

Caring for Black and Blue Salvia

To keep your salvia thriving once planted in borders and containers:

• Water regularly, especially during dry periods
• Apply balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks
• Stake tall flower spikes as needed
• Pinch back by 1/3 after initial summer bloom
• Mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds
• Lift tubers in fall for overwintering in zones 7-8

Troubleshooting Problems

Here are some common issues and solutions for growing black and blue salvia:

• Leggy seedlings – Provide more light and avoid overwatering
• Failure to bloom – Pinch spent flowers, needs full sun
• Leaf spot – Improve air circulation, promptly remove diseased foliage
• Floppy stems – Stake tall flower spikes for support
• Root rot – Allow soil to dry between waterings, improve drainage

Using Black and Blue Salvia in Garden Designs

With its exotic tropical flair, black and blue salvia makes a dramatic statement in beds, borders, and containers. Here are some tips:

• Highlight it in pollinator and cutting gardens
• Use as a thriller in container plantings
• Plant it as a backdrop to shorter plants
• Allow plenty of space for its towering height
• Underplant with lower growing annuals and perennials

Gorgeous black and blue salvia brings elegant form, movement, and saturated color to gardens. By starting this long-blooming salvia from seeds, you can enjoy constant floral displays, vivid color, and plenty of pollinator activity in your landscape.

Yes, Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’ is a perennial plant and will come back year after year in warmer climates. In zones 7 and above, it’s typically considered a hardy perennial and will return from its roots in the spring.