Mojave Red Salvia sets gardens ablaze with the richest red flower spikes, blooming early and relentlessly from late spring to frost. This Salvia splendens variety features a compact, extra-branching habit and dark green foliage, delivering unbeatable heat tolerance and continuous color for beds, borders, or containers. Its dense, robust spikes attract hummingbirds and bees, making it a low-maintenance star for sunny landscapes.
Salvia Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Sow Mojave Red Salvia seeds outdoors in late spring, after the last frost, when soil temperatures are above 70°F. This variety is frost-sensitive and excels in warm weather.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. It thrives in average to sandy soils and withstands heat.
- 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 and press lightly—do not cover, as light aids germination.
- Space seeds or thin seedlings to 12-18 inches apart for its branching form.
- Watering: Keep soil moist until germination (14-21 days). Once established, it’s drought-tolerant but performs best 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. Do not cover.
- Mist to keep soil moist without soaking.
- Germination:
- Maintain 70-75°F; seedlings emerge in 14-21 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 12-18 inches apart.
General Care Tips for Salvia
- Sunlight: Full sun (6-8 hours) for maximum blooms; tolerates partial shade with fewer flowers.
- Watering: Water regularly during establishment. Mature plants are heat- and drought-tolerant but prefer moisture in dry spells.
- Fertilizing: Add compost pre-planting. Apply a balanced fertilizer once mid-season for vivid spikes.
- Pruning: Deadhead to encourage reblooming. Pinch early for bushier growth.
- Pest and Disease Control: Pest-resistant; ensure spacing 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.
