Of a number of salvias is grown
in the garden, the Salvia farinacea (blue salvia, or mealy-cup stage). A tender
perennial grown as a half hardy annual in most climates, it has blue flower
spikes 2 to 3 feet long that are as very attractive and long lasting in the
garden as they are in bouquets. Others include Salvia splendens, or scarlet
sage, which is a perennial grown as a tender annual and has brilliant red
flowers and handsome dark green foliage. Moreover varieties come in a number of
heights from about 9 inches to 2 feet. Choose the one that best suits your
gardens. This is such a controversial plant that has even been heard of an Anti-Red
Salvia League. It is often grown in masses and as such can be too much of a
good thing. I am not such a salvia snob as to pas it over altogether, but do
like it best in small groups with other plants that tone it down a little.
If you want to grow Salvia then
it is normally best to buy started plants, salvias can be started indoors 6 to
8 weeks before the last average frost. Seed must be kept warm to germinate.
Transplant after danger of frost is past. However plant in full sun light shade
in hot climates, spacing about a foot apart. Salvias can also be sown directly
in the ground after the weather has warmed up, but unfortunately they take a
long time to flower when grown this way. They like warm but not excessively dry
weather and need to be watered in drought unless they’re well mulched.
