How to grow salvia from seeds.

Salvia is a drought-tolerant plant that belongs to the mint family. It can be grown as an ornamental plant and it requires less maintenance. Its flowers come in colours like white, red, yellow and blue. Growing salvia in your garden attracts a lot of pollinators. At the same time, the pungent smell this plant produces repels garden pests. It is tolerant to frost too. Here is how to grow salvia from seeds.

Growing conditions for Salvia

Based on the variety salvia can grow from 18 inches to 5 feet tall. Smaller varieties can be grown in containers. You can grow them in containers that are 8 inches deep and wide. It needs well-drained slightly acidic soil to grow. The soil pH should be between 5.5 to 6.5. It can grow well in average soil conditions. It needs 6 to 8 hours of sunlight. This flower can be grown during the spring and summer seasons. Salvia starts to give flowers 75 days from sowing. It can give flowers for 4 to 5 months.

Grow salvia from seeds

Salvia seeds should be sown 4mm deep and there should be a 30 cm gap between the seeds. You can sow the seed directly in the garden or containers. Make sure the soil mix is 50% sand, 50% compost. Average soil conditions are needed for salvia plants. Salvia takes 12 to 15 days to germinate. Salvia can grow well in temperatures between 10°C to 35°C (50°F to 95°F). After your seedlings have reached 6 inches tall, you can add liquid fertiliser or slow-release fertiliser once a month.To encourage bushy growth, pinch the growing tip of the plant. If you want to encourage flowering dead heading Is a good way to encourage more blooms.

Growing from stem propagation

Take 3 to 4 stems that are 8 inches long from a mature salvia plant. Remove leaves from the bottom stem and place them in a glass jar having 3 inches of water. Make sure to change the water once in 3 days. Salvia stems will start to develop roots within a few weeks. You can then grow them in containers or in the garden.

Pests and Diseases

Although salvia repels some garden pests, certain pests can affect your salvia plant. Some of them include aphids, powdery mildew, slugs and snails. Here is how to get rid of aphids in your garden. As long as there is proper aeration, your plants will be saved from powdery mildew. Placing sharp stones can repel snails and slugs from harming your salvia plants.