Salvia is a close relative of conventional sage, but is grown for its handsome blue flowers rather than as a culinary herb. It is a long-blooming member of the mint family. Continue reading below for some tips on how to grow Salvia from seed.
Latin
Salvia longispicata x farinacea
Family: Laminaceae
Difficulty
Easy but slow
Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun – some afternoon shade is appreciated
Zone: Hardy to Zone 8 given frost protection. Otherwise grown as an annual.
Timing
Start indoors late winter to early spring. Transplant out or direct sow starting two weeks after the last frost date. Starting indoors may be more reliable, particularly if using bottom heat and maintaining optimal soil temperature at 15-21°C (60-70°F). Seeds should sprout in 2 to 3 weeks.
Starting
Sow seeds 3mm (1/8″) deep, and keep soil just moist, not wet. Thin to 40-45cm (16-18") apart.
Growing
Prior to transplanting, work the soil to a depth of 30cm (12") to improve drainage. If transplanting to a container, add a quantity of grit or perlite to achieve the same end.