Mojave Mix Salvia creates a stunning spectacle with a vibrant blend of flower spikes in deep purple, fiery red, warm orange, soft pink, and creamy white, blooming from early summer to frost. This Salvia splendens mix combines the series’ signature compact, branching habit with dark green foliage, delivering a heat-tolerant, multicolored display for beds, borders, or containers. Its robust spikes attract hummingbirds and bees, offering a dynamic, low-maintenance burst of color.
Salvia Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Sow Mojave Mix Salvia seeds outdoors in late spring, after the last frost, when soil temperatures are above 70°F. This mix is frost-sensitive and thrives in warm weather.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. It excels in average to sandy soils and tolerates heat.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen soil to 6-8 inches deep and mix in compost. A pH of 5.5-6.5 is ideal.
- 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 growth.
- Watering: Keep soil moist until germination (14-21 days). Once established, it’s drought-tolerant but benefits from 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 best 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 vibrant 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.
