With its abundant and vibrant blooms, Salvia is a must-have for any gardening enthusiast. Whether used as borders, fillers, or focal points, growing Salvia adds a burst of colour and fragrance to your garden, while also attracting vital pollinators and creating a thriving ecosystem.
Planting Calendar
There are a huge range of salvias that are avaliable throughout the year.
Harvest In
Summer through to winter.
With the vast range available Salvias can provide flowers almost all year.
Prepare
Salvias can be annual or perennial and come in a range of flower colour from blue, purple, pink, burgundy, red and white. Bees are butterflies are attracted to their vibrant flowers so are a great addition to the garden. Salvia also come in a range of heights and sizes and look great either planted on mass in a perennial border, cottage gardens or just for fun, they also look great when planted into containers.
Position
Salvias grow best when planted in full sun, although some can take dappled shade.
Soil
When planted into the ground Salvias prefer a free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains Saturaid, which helps with moisture retention in the soil.
Plant
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant into Kings Container Mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist.
Care
Watering
While Salvia, can take a little dryness they will preform better when the soil is kept moist. Avoid wetting foliage when watering.
Feeding
When planted in the ground liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health. If planted into a container, feed with Kings Liquid Fast Food along with monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster this encourages strong roots and a healthy immune system.
Protecting
Salvia are prone to frost damage so protect from frost by covering with frost cloth.
Mulching
Mulch around the base of the plants (making sure it is not in direct contact with the trunk) with Living Earth More than Mulch. Mulching helps to reduce weeds as well as aiding the soil to lock moisture in the ground
Spraying
Some species can get powdery mildew in summer and autumn, spray with Kiwicare organic super sulphur.
Pruning
Remove spent faded flowers down to the next set of leaves using a pair of snips. This will encourage bushier growth and more flowers. In spring prune almost down to the ground, don't be tempted tp prune them back in Autumn. Leaving them till spring means the old growth will protect the plants from frost.
Beginner Tip
In windy condition Salvias can flop over, support with flower supports.
Expert Tip
Many salvia can be easily divided. The best time to do this is in spring after pruning back. Lift the plant from the ground using a sharp spade. Gently shake the soil from the roots. If you can tease or pull the roots apart with yours hands, separating the clumps. Making sure each new clump has 3-4 good roots. Replant into and water in well.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water Salvia?
While Salvia, can take a little dryness they will preform better when the soil is kept moist. Avoid wetting foliage when watering.
When is the best time to plant Salvia?
Spring and early autumn are ideal for planting Salvia. This gives the plants time to establish before the summer heat or winter cold.
How do I prune Salvia?
Remove spent faded flowers down to the next set of leaves using a pair of snips. This will encourage bushier growth and more flowers. In spring prune almost down to the ground, don't be tempted tp prune them back in Autumn. Leaving them till spring means the old growth will protect the plants from frost.
Are Salvias prone to pests or diseases?
Salvias are generally low-maintenance and resistant to most pests and diseases. However, watch out for aphids and powdery mildew, which can occasionally be a problem.
Can I propagate Salvia from cuttings?
Salvias can be easily propagated from cuttings. Take softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer and root them in a mix of sand and compost.