How Quickly Does Autumn Sage Grow? A Complete Growth Guide

Autumn sage is a popular ornamental plant known for its vibrant red flowers that bloom from spring until frost. This hardy perennial is easy to grow and care for making it a great addition to any garden. But exactly how fast does autumn sage grow? In this complete guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about the growth rate and life cycle of this beautiful plant.

Overview of Autumn Sage

Autumn sage (Salvia greggii) is an herbaceous perennial in the mint family Lamiaceae. It’s native to Texas, New Mexico, and northern Mexico. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in hot, dry conditions.

The most popular cultivars grown have bright red flowers but colors like pink, purple orange, yellow, and white are also available. The tubular flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Autumn sage blooms prolifically from spring until the first frost.

Mature plants reach 2-3 feet tall and wide. They have grayish-green elliptical leaves and woody stems. Autumn sage can be grown in beds, borders, and containers. It’s also salt and deer resistant.

Growth Stages of Autumn Sage

To understand the growth rate, it’s helpful to break down the life cycle into different stages. Here are the key phases of growth for autumn sage:

First Year

• Seedling phase – Seeds germinate in 5-15 days. Seedlings grow slowly at first.

• Establishment phase – The first few months after transplanting, growth is focused on developing the root system. Minimal flowering occurs. Plants reach 6-12 inches tall.

• First bloom – Flowering picks up in early summer. Plants reach 1-2 feet tall by the end of the first year.

Second Year

• Active growth – The root system expands quickly, fueling rapid vegetative growth. Plants bulk up in size.

• Prolific blooms – The second season brings the first prolific flowering. Plants reach their mature size of 2-3 feet tall.

Third Year Onward

• Mature phase – Growth slows down and plants maintain a consistent size year after year.

• Repeated blooms – Plants bloom heavily each subsequent season. Flowers decrease as plants age. Lifespan is 3-5 years.

Factors Affecting Growth Rate

Several variables influence the speed at which autumn sage grows:

• Climate – Warm climates with long summers accelerate growth. Cooler regions delay maturity.

• Soil – Fast-draining, nutrient-rich soil fuels the fastest growth. Poor soils stunt development.

• Sun – Full sun is required for robust growth. Too much shade limits flowering.

• Water – Regular water speeds up growth for seedlings and young plants. Excess moisture can cause issues.

• Pruning – Cutting plants back in spring shapes growth but doesn’t significantly affect speed.

• Fertilizer – Applying compost or fertilizer can provide a slight growth boost. It’s not necessary for maturity.

From Seedling to Maturity

Now let’s take a closer look at what you can expect in terms of growth timeline as your autumn sage progresses from a seedling to a mature plant:

Seedling Phase

Autumn sage can be started from seed either indoors or direct sown outside after the last frost. Germination occurs in 5-15 days. Initial growth is slow, and seedlings only reach a couple inches tall in the first few weeks. Thin or transplant seedlings when they have 3-4 true leaves.

First Year

The first year is focused on root development rather than rapid top growth. Transplants will grow steadily but slowly for the first 2-3 months as the root system establishes. By mid to late summer, plants will reach 6-12 inches tall and flowering will begin. Expect plants to mature to 1-2 feet tall by the end of the first year.

Second Year

In the second year, vegetative growth takes off. The root system expands rapidly, supporting vigorous new top growth. Plants bulk up significantly this season. Flowering becomes prolific, with plants covered in colorful blooms throughout the spring and summer. Autumn sage typically reaches its mature size of 2-3 feet tall and wide by the end of the second growing season.

Third Year Onward

After the second year, autumn sage growth slows down and plants maintain a consistent mature size. Flowering remains heavy each subsequent season. Though plants are relatively short-lived, lasting around 3-5 years on average, their growth remains steady once mature. With proper care, some plants can thrive even longer.

Growth Rate Summary

To summarize autumn sage’s growth pattern:

• Seeds sprout in about 2 weeks. Slow initial establishment lasts 2-3 months.

• First year plants grow to 1-2 feet tall and begin flowering by mid to late summer.

• Rapid vegetative growth occurs in year two, reaching mature size of 2-3 feet tall.

• After establishment, growth rate slows. Mature plants live 3-5 years.

With the right growing conditions, autumn sage transforms from tiny seedlings to stunning, flowering mature plants within two growing seasons. The key is getting through the initial slow establishment phase. Once plants are well-rooted, growth takes off.

If you’re looking for a hardy, low-maintenance perennial that fills out quickly with vibrant blooms, autumn sage is an excellent choice. Just be patient for those first few months as you wait for your seedlings to take off!