Salvia Blaze of Fire

Soil & Site Preparation 

Soil:

• Well drained soil enriched with compost or aged manure.
• For pots, use a quality potting mix. 

Sunlight:

• Full sun (6+ hours daily). 

Spacing:

• 30 cm apart for airflow and mature growth. 

Sowing Steps 

Direct Sowing: 

• Plant seeds 4 mm deep, 30 cm apart.
• Keep soil moist but not soggy. 

Germination:

• 12–15 days at 8 – 30°C. 

Seedlings: 

• Start in trays with seed raising mix.
• Transplant when seedlings reach 5 – 10 cm tall. 
• Harden off seedlings before moving outdoors. 

Care & Maintenance 

Watering:

• Drought tolerant once established.
• Water only when soil is dry 10 cm below the surface.
• Avoid wetting foliage to prevent mildew. 

Fertilising:

• Use high potassium fertiliser every 1–2 weeks for containers or poor soil. 

Pruning:

• Pinch tips to encourage bushiness. Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming. 

Pests/Diseases:

• Manage aphids with soap spray, powdery mildew with fungicides, and spider mites with eco oil. 

Flowering & Lifespan 

• Flowers appear in 85 days.
• Perennial varieties can live several years if protected from frost. 

Companion Planting Guide 

Salvia thrives alongside plants with similar sun and drainage needs. 

Best Companions:

• Perennials:  Coneflowers, Catmint (Nepeta): Contrast textures and attract pollinators.  Agapanthus: Complements blue/purple salvias in containers. 
• Annuals: Lantana, Purslane for vibrant colour contrasts. 
• Shrubs: Lilacs or Weigela for staggered blooming seasons. 
• Grasses: Stipa Tenuis Sima or Foxtail Barley for meadow style designs. 
• Foliage Plants: Heuchera (dark leaves) or silver leaved Stachys for contrast. 

Avoid Planting With:

• Impatiens, Coral Bells: Require more shade and moisture. 
• Large Shrubs/Trees: May block sunlight. 

 Seed Saving Guide 

Harvesting Seeds 

Timing:

• Allow flowers to fade and dry on the plant.
• Seed pods will turn brown. 

Method:

• Cut seed heads, place in a paper bag, and shake to release seeds. 

Storage 

Cleaning:

• Remove chaff by sieving. 

Drying:

• Spread seeds on paper for 1–2 weeks in a cool, dry place. 

Storage:

• Store in airtight containers (e.g., glass jars) in a dark, cool location.
• Label with date and variety. 

Viability:

Salvia seeds remain viable for 2–3 years if stored properly.