Lighthouse Red Salvia blazes with glowing scarlet-red flower spikes that rise majestically from late spring to frost, casting a vibrant glow across gardens. This Salvia splendens variety grows into a tall, bushy plant, ideal for low-maintenance beds, borders, or large containers, delivering a season-long display with minimal effort. Renowned for its landscape performance, it attracts pollinators like hummingbirds and bees, pairing its vivid blooms with lush green foliage for a commanding presence.
Salvia Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Sow Lighthouse Red Salvia seeds outdoors in late spring, after the last frost, when soil temperatures are above 70°F. This variety is frost-sensitive and loves heat.
- Location: Select a sunny spot with well-draining soil. It thrives in average to sandy soils and handles drought well.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen soil to 6-8 inches deep and blend in compost. A pH of 5.5-6.5 is ideal.
- Planting Seeds:
- Sow seeds on the soil surface with a thin cover of soil (light helps germination but a light dusting secures them).
- Space seeds or thin seedlings to 12-15 inches apart for its bushy habit.
- Watering: Keep soil moist until germination (10-15 days). Once established, it’s drought-tolerant but benefits from 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 soaking.
- 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 best blooms; partial shade is tolerated but may reduce flowering.
- Watering: Water regularly during establishment. Mature plants are heat- and drought-tolerant but prefer moisture in dry conditions.
- Fertilizing: Mix compost into soil pre-planting. Apply a balanced fertilizer once mid-season for vivid spikes.
- Pruning: Deadhead to promote reblooming. Pinch early for bushier growth.
- Pest and Disease Control: Pest-resistant; ensure spacing to avoid mildew in humid areas.
- 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.
