Lighthouse Purple Salvia stands tall with bold, saturated violet-purple flower spikes that command attention from late spring to frost, illuminating gardens with long-lasting color. This robust Salvia splendens variety features a bushy, upright habit, perfect for low-maintenance landscapes, large patio containers, or as a striking backdrop in borders. A Fleuroselect award-winner, it boasts deep green foliage and exceptional weather tolerance, drawing pollinators like bees and butterflies to its vibrant display.
Salvia Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Sow Lighthouse Purple Salvia seeds outdoors in late spring, after the last frost, when soil temperatures are above 70°F. This variety is frost-sensitive and thrives in warm conditions.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. It excels in average to sandy soils and tolerates heat and drought.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen soil to 6-8 inches deep and mix in compost. A pH of 5.5-6.5 is optimal.
- Planting Seeds:
- Sow seeds on the soil surface with a thin cover of soil (light aids germination but a light dusting helps stabilize them).
- Space seeds or thin seedlings to 12-15 inches apart for its bushy growth.
- Watering: Keep soil moist until germination (10-15 days). Once established, it’s drought-tolerant but performs best with occasional watering.
Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)
- Timing: Start seeds indoors 8-10 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 with a thin cover, pressing gently.
- Mist to keep soil moist without waterlogging.
- Germination:
- Maintain 70-75°F; seedlings emerge in 10-15 days with light exposure.
- Transplanting: Move outdoors after the last frost when soil is above 70°F and plants have 2-3 true leaves. Space 12-15 inches apart.
General Care Tips for Salvia
- Sunlight: Full sun (6-8 hours) for maximum blooms; tolerates partial shade with reduced flowering.
- Watering: Water regularly during establishment. Mature plants are heat- and drought-tolerant but benefit from moisture in dry spells.
- Fertilizing: Add compost pre-planting. Apply a balanced fertilizer once mid-season for robust growth.
- Pruning: Deadhead to encourage reblooming. Pinch young plants for bushier form.
- Pest and Disease Control: Pest-resistant; space well to prevent mildew in humidity.
- Harvesting:
- Cut spikes when fully open for fresh use or dry for decor. Harvest above a leaf node.
- Storage: Fresh stems last a week in water. Dry by hanging upside down in a cool, ventilated area.
