Fairy Queen Blue Salvia enchants with elegant spikes of deep blue flowers, each accented by a delicate white tip, creating a bicolor spectacle from early summer to frost. This Salvia splendens variety forms a tidy, compact mound, ideal for edging borders, filling garden beds, or brightening containers. Its vibrant blooms draw hummingbirds and butterflies, thriving in heat with little maintenance, making it a charming addition to any sunny space.
Salvia Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Sow Fairy Queen Blue Salvia seeds outdoors in late spring, after the last frost, when soil temperatures are above 65°F. This variety is frost-sensitive and loves warmth.
- Location: Pick a sunny spot with well-draining soil. It performs well in average to sandy conditions.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen soil to 6-8 inches deep and mix in compost. A pH of 5.5-6.5 suits this salvia best.
- Planting Seeds:
- Sow seeds on the soil surface and press lightly—do not cover, as light is needed for germination.
- Space seeds or thin seedlings to 10-12 inches apart for its compact form.
- Watering: Keep soil moist until germination (7-14 days). Once established, it tolerates dry spells with occasional watering.
Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)
- Timing: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.
- Containers: Use seed trays or pots with drainage, filled with a light seed-starting mix.
- Planting:
- Sow seeds on the surface, pressing gently. Avoid covering them.
- Mist to keep soil moist without soaking.
- Germination:
- Maintain 65-75°F; seedlings emerge in 7-14 days with light exposure.
- Transplanting: Move outdoors after the last frost when soil is above 65°F and plants have 2-3 true leaves. Space 10-12 inches apart.
General Care Tips for Salvia
- Sunlight: Full sun (6-8 hours) for optimal blooms; partial shade is tolerated but may reduce flowering.
- Watering: Water regularly during establishment. Mature plants handle drought but prefer consistent moisture.
- Fertilizing: Add compost before planting. Apply a balanced fertilizer once mid-season for vibrant spikes.
- Pruning: Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering. Pinch early for bushier growth.
- Pest and Disease Control: Pest-resistant; space well to avoid mildew in humid conditions.
- Harvesting:
- Cut spikes when fully open for fresh use or dry for arrangements. Harvest above a leaf node.
- Storage: Fresh stems last a week in water. Dry by hanging upside down in a cool, ventilated area.
