Knowing your climate zone will help you decide the best time to sow the vegetables, herbs and flowers you want to grow, and which varieties should perform well in your garden. Growing plants that are suited to your climate zone will usually give you the best results in your garden.
Grow Guide #2316 Family: Lamiaceae Binomial name: Salvia sp. Life Cycle: Perennial (sometimes grown as an annual)
This How to Grow guide details everything a home gardener needs to know to plant, grow and care for Salvia (Salvia sp.).
Salvia is a gorgeous flowering plant that comes in many varieties and provides striking colors to any garden. Growing salvias from seeds is an easy and rewarding way to add these beauties to your yard. With just a few simple steps you can sow salvia seeds either indoors or directly outside and grow a lush flower garden.
When to Plant Salvia Seeds
Timing is important when planting salvia seeds. Check the seed packet for the recommended time to start seeds based on your climate.
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In cool climates, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date.
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In warm climates, sow seeds directly outside after the danger of frost has passed
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You can also sow seeds 2-4 weeks before your intended transplant date,
Choosing a Salvia Variety
With over 1000 species, there are many types of salvia to choose from. Consider bloom color, height, growing conditions and growth habits when selecting seeds. Some top choices include:
- Salvia farinacea (mealycup sage) – blue flower spikes, upright growth
- Salvia splendens (scarlet sage) – vivid red blooms, compact plant
- Salvia leucantha (Mexican bush sage) – velvety purple flowers, drought tolerant
- Salvia microphylla (baby sage) – red, pink or white blooms, small leaves
- Salvia elegans (pineapple sage) – edible flowers and foliage, sweet scent
Starting Salvia Seeds Indoors
For an early start, begin seeds inside in trays or pots 6-8 weeks before your last frost. Here’s how:
Supplies Needed
- Seed starting mix
- Trays or pots
- Dome or plastic wrap
- Watering can
- Grow lights (optional)
Steps
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Fill containers with moistened seed starting mix. Gently tap to settle.
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Sow seeds on surface about 1/8 inch apart according to packet.
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Mist soil to water without washing away seeds.
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Cover with plastic to retain moisture and provide 70-75°F for germination.
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Once seedlings emerge, remove covers and provide ample light.
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Keep soil moist and move to full sun outdoors after hardening off.
Direct Sowing Salvia Outdoors
For a simple approach, sow salvia seeds directly in the garden after danger of frost:
Supplies Needed
- Salvia seeds
- Garden rake
- Row markers
- Watering can with rose nozzle
Steps
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Prepare soil bed and rake smooth. Remove weeds and debris.
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Once frost risk has passed, sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, 8-12 inches apart in rows.
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Mark rows with name and date sown. Gently water seeds in.
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Keep seed bed consistently moist until seedlings emerge in 10-20 days.
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Add mulch once established and water 1-2 inches weekly in dry periods.
Caring for Salvia Plants
Proper care keeps salvias looking their best:
- Pinch back leggy growth
- Stake tall varieties
- Deadhead spent blooms
- Watch for pests like aphids
- Prune after flowering
- Provide plenty of sun and well-draining soil
- Avoid overwatering
- Fertilize regularly for prolific flowering
Achieving Salvia Success
With vivid flowers and fragrant foliage, salvias bring non-stop beauty to gardens. Sow seeds properly timed for your climate. Prepare soil and sow indoors or directly outside based on your last frost date. Care for seedlings by keeping them warm, moist and in ample sunlight. Transplant outdoors after hardening off. Maintain ideal growing conditions. You’ll soon enjoy a standout flower garden filled with marvelous salvias.
Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Salvia from Seeds
Growing gorgeous salvias from seeds is easy when you follow some simple tips. Here are answers to common questions about sowing and caring for salvia plants.
When is the best time to sow salvia seeds?
In cool climates, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost. In warm locations, sow seeds directly outside after the last frost.
How deep should I plant salvia seeds?
Plant salvia seeds 1/4 inch deep in the soil. Press gently into the surface but don’t fully cover them.
How long does it take for salvia seeds to germinate?
Salvia seeds usually germinate within 14-21 days after sowing. Exact time varies by variety and growing conditions.
How much light do salvia seeds need to germinate?
Salvia seeds require 8-16 hours of light per day for the best germination rates. Provide ample sunlight or grow lights.
What type of soil should I use to plant salvia seeds?
Salvias need a loose, well-draining soil with lots of organic matter like compost. Maintain a neutral pH.
Should I soak salvia seeds before planting?
No, soaking is not required prior to planting salvia seeds. Simply sow according to package directions.
How do I harvest salvia seeds for next year?
Allow seed pods to fully dry on the plants after flowering. Crush pods to remove seeds and store in envelopes.
What are some good salvia varieties to grow from seed?
Some top picks include Salvia farinacea, Salvia splendens, Salvia leucantha, Salvia microphylla and Salvia elegans.
Growing salvias from seeds is easy and rewarding. Follow this guide for success sowing seeds, caring for seedlings and achieving gorgeous flowers. Soon your landscape will be filled with striking salvia blooms.
How to Sow Salvia Seeds
Salvia seeds do not require any treatment (eg soaking, stratification) before sowing.
Salvia seeds can be sown directly into the garden OR seedlings can be raised in trays or other containers and transplanted to the garden once established.
- Sow seeds directly in the garden 4mm deep and 30cm apart.
- Keep soil moist but never wet or dry.
- Seeds should germinate in around 12-15 days at a soil temperature of 22-24°C.
- Young seedlings will need protection from pests, pets and weather until they are established.
- Fill trays, punnets or jiffy pots with a good quality seed-raising mix, or use soil starter pellets.
- Sow seeds 4mm deep.
- Keep soil moist but never wet or dry.
- Seeds should germinate in around 12-15 days at a soil temperature of 22-24°C.
- Transplant seedlings to the garden once they have their first true leaves and are large enough to handle (usually 5-10cm tall).
- Plant out, spacing plants 30cm apart.
Optional: In cool climates salvia seeds can be sown indoors 6 weeks before the last expected frost. Grow them in a warm position with plenty of natural light.
When to Sow Salvia Seeds
Salvias can be warm-season annuals or perennials that grow year round in most climates. Use the table below to identify the best time of year to sow salvia seeds in your climate.
| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cool | |||||||||||
| Temperate | |||||||||||
| Sub-Tropical | |||||||||||
| Tropical | |||||||||||
| Arid |
- Includes: Alice Springs, Mildura, Albury-Wodonga, Shepparton, Wagga Wagga, Dubbo
- Hot dry summers, winters can be warm or cool depending on the region. Includes a large area of central Australia from the WA coast to Charleville (Qld), Tamworth (NSW) and Albury-Wodonga (NSW/Vic).
- Includes: Darwin, Cairns, Townsville, Exmouth
- High humidity summers with most rainfall in summer and dry, warm winters. Includes northern Australia from Exmouth (WA) across to south of Townsville (Qld).
- Includes: Brisbane, Bundaberg, Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, Hervey Bay, Mackay, Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast
- Warm humid summers with high summer rainfall and mild winters. Includes coastal Queensland and northern NSW from north of Mackay to just south of Coffs Harbour.
- Includes: Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Newcastle, Toowoomba, Central Coast NSW, Wollongong, Bunbury
- Moderate humidity and reliable rainfall, with four distinct seasons. Includes coastal areas from north of Port Macquarie to south of Woollongong in NSW, coastal SA and the southeastern coast of WA.
- Includes: Melbourne, Canberra, Hobart, Launceston, Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Mt Gambier
- Low humidity with most rainfall in winter; hot dry summers and cold winters. Some regions will experience frosts and snow. Includes coastal areas of south-eastern Australia and alpine areas of Victoria, NSW and Tasmania.
Salvia plants are best grown in full sun. Choose a location that will receive at least 6 hours of full sun each day.
Some salvia plants are perennial, meaning they live for several years. If you are growing a perennial variety, choose a permanent position where plants can grow undisturbed by regular digging or disturbance.
Salvia plants need a well drained soil enriched with plenty of organic matter. Prepare soil by weeding it thoroughly, digging it over to loosen it and adding aged animal manure or compost. Keep the area free of weeds until planting. Learn more about preparing soil for planting here.
Salvia plants can be grown in containers. If possible choose a variety that’s recommended for container growing. Use a good quality potting mix and make sure your container is large enough for mature plants; a minimum of 10 litres is recommended for salvia. During the growing season, keep in mind that container grown plants may need additional fertiliser to encourage healthy growth.