Salvia, Summer Annual

Salvia favors a loose, well-drained soil.

Some varieties of salvia are known as self-cleaning and free flowering. This means the old flowers drop as they fade and new ones continue to come. Others hold the old flowers for longer periods.

One of the most pleasing summer flowering annuals is the salvias. They come in reds, white, blue or purple and are available in many different heights from 6" to 24".

Salvias grow best in high light situations but will perform in partial shade. They are planted after the danger of frost is past and will grow and flower until a hard freeze occurs.

To make Salvia's favorite soil…

Salvias, like other annuals or bedding plants, grow best in a loose well drained soil with plenty of organic matter or humus. Any garden soil can be amended to grow beautiful plants and flowers. If you have a clay soil; plan to thoroughly mix 3" of finely ground pine bark or peat moss or leaf mold and 1" of coarse sand. Use 1 Ib of a complete balanced fertilizer such as 8-8-8, 10-10-10, or 12-4-8 per 100 square feet.

Planting directions…

Salvia may be purchased several plants to a tray or pack. Use a knife to cut the roots, leaving a small block of soil on each plant. Plant the plants about the same depth as they grew in the pack. Firm the soil around each plant with your hands. Be sure to water thoroughly after planting and once or twice each week for the first few weeks. After the plants are established, water thoroughly each week.

Fertilize…

Plan to fertilize at monthly or six week intervals using your complete balanced fertilizer such as 8-8-8, 10 10-10, or 12-4-8. Always rinse away any fertilizer from foliage and stems and water it thoroughly into the soil.

Some varieties of salvia are known as self-cleaning and free flowering. This means the old flowers drop as they fade and new ones continue to come. Others hold the old flowers for longer periods. Your plants will be healthier and more free flowering if you will pinch or cut the old flower heads as they fade.

Salvia to look for…

When considering salvia, look at some of the blue varieties such as Blue Bedder and Victoria. Look at the white and pink varieties as well as reds such as Scarlet Pygmy, St. John's Fire, Bonfire, Hot Jazz, and Blaze of Fire.

For more information on salvias contact your local county Extension office.