Salvia Blaze of Fire

🌱 Sowing in Trays (Recommended)

Salvias benefit from a controlled start.

Steps:

1. Fill seed trays or punnets with a free-draining seed-raising mix.
2. Sow seeds on the surface – they need light to germinate, so don’t cover deeply. A light press or vermiculite dusting is enough.
3. Mist lightly and place trays in a bright, warm spot (18–22°C).
4. Keep moist (not soggy). Germination usually takes 10–21 days.

🌿 Direct Sowing

Best for warm climates or after the last frost in cooler areas.

Steps:

1. Choose a well-prepared, weed-free bed.
2. Lightly rake the surface, scatter seeds and press down gently.
3. Water in with a fine spray and keep moist during germination.

🧤 Tip: Because salvia seedlings are slow to establish, sowing in trays gives them a better head start against pests and weather.

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🏡 Soil & Position

• Sunlight: Full sun (minimum 6 hours/day). Some varieties tolerate part shade.
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or sandy soil. pH 6.0–7.0.
• Drainage is crucial—avoid soggy spots to prevent root rot.
• Mix in compost before planting out to encourage healthy growth.

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🛠️ Care & Maintenance

Task	How-To
Watering	Water deeply but infrequently once established. Overwatering can lead to fungal issues.
Feeding	Light feeders—topdress with compost in spring. Too much fertiliser = less flowers.
Mulching	Apply straw or bark mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pinching	Pinch back young plants to encourage bushiness.
Pruning	Trim back by one-third after flowering to encourage repeat blooms.
Staking	Some tall varieties benefit from support if in windy positions.

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🌿 Companion Planting for Salvia

Salvia is a pollinator magnet and helps boost productivity in nearby crops!

Good Companions	Benefits
Tomatoes, Capsicum	Repels whitefly & aphids
Cabbage family	May deter cabbage moth
Marigold	Attracts beneficial insects together
Lavender, Yarrow	Enhances bee & beneficial insect activity

🌼 “I love pairing salvia with vegetables and herbs—it’s a living border that looks good and works hard.”

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✂️ Harvesting

🌸 For Flowers:

• Cut blooms in the morning once fully open for best vase life.
• Use clean snips and harvest just above a node to encourage side shoots.

🌿 For Medicinal or Culinary Types (e.g., Salvia officinalis):

• Harvest leaves in the morning after dew has dried.
• Pick regularly to promote fresh growth.

💐 Salvias are fabulous in flower arrangements—combine with cosmos, snapdragons, or zinnias for a cheerful bunch!

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🐛 Common Issues & Fixes

Problem	Symptoms	Solution
Powdery mildew	White powder on leaves	Improve airflow, avoid overhead watering, apply eco-fungicide
Aphids	Sticky leaves, curled growth	Blast with water or use insecticidal soap
Slugs/snails	Chewed young plants	Use barriers, traps, or natural predators like frogs
Root rot	Yellowing, wilting despite wet soil	Improve drainage, don’t overwater
Poor flowering	Lots of leaves, few flowers	Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers, prune to refresh

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

Salvias are easy to save seeds from, especially ornamental varieties.

🪴 When & How:

1. Let flower heads dry on the plant.
2. Once brown and crispy, snip off and place in a paper bag.
3. Shake out seeds—small, dark seeds will fall free.
4. Label and store in a cool, dry, dark place.

✉️ Storage Tips:

• Use paper envelopes or glass jars with silica sachets.
• Seeds can remain viable for 3–5 years if stored well.

✨ “Seed saving turns a single packet into seasons of colour—plus, your salvias get better adapted to your local conditions each year!”

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🌱 Final Thoughts

Salvias are one of those garden gems that give so much for so little. They’re resilient, floriferous, and oh-so-pretty—plus, they support pollinators and companion planting beautifully. Whether you’re growing Salvia officinalis (common sage) for the kitchen or the bright annual varieties for garden borders and bouquets, they’re a joy to have around.

And remember—if a few seedlings don’t take off? That’s okay—it’s all part of the learning! Next season, you’ll know even more.

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