Salvia Splendens Red

🔍 About Red Salvia Splendens

• Type: Tender perennial (grown as an annual in most climates)

• USDA Zones: 10–11 (perennial); grown as an annual in colder zones

• Light: Full sun to part shade

• Bloom Time: Summer to frost

🕰️ 1. When to Start Seeds

• Indoors: 8–10 weeks before your last expected frost date

• Outdoors: After all frost danger has passed (less recommended due to long germination time)

🌱 2. Prepare Your Materials

• Seed trays or pots

• Seed-starting mix (light and well-draining)

• Clear plastic dome or wrap (to maintain humidity)

• Grow lights or sunny windowsill

🌾 3. Sowing Seeds

• Soil: Fill trays with moist seed-starting mix.

• Sow: Press seeds lightly into the surface. Do not cover — salvia seeds need light to germinate.

• Spacing: About 1/2–1 inch apart in trays.

• Water: Mist gently or bottom-water to avoid washing away seeds.

🌡️ 4. Germination Conditions

• Light: Bright light (windowsill or grow lights)

• Temperature: 70–75°F (21–24°C)

• Humidity: Cover trays with a clear plastic dome or bag to retain moisture.

• Time: Seeds germinate in 10–15 days

🌿 5. After Germination

• Remove humidity cover when sprouts appear.

• Light: Provide 12–14 hours of bright light daily.

• Water: Keep soil moist but not soggy.

• Thin seedlings: Once they have 2–3 true leaves, transplant or thin to avoid crowding.

🌼 6. Transplanting Outdoors

• Timing: Transplant after last frost when nighttime temps stay above 50°F (10°C).

• Spacing: 10–12 inches apart.

• Location: Full sun is best; partial shade tolerated.

• Soil: Well-draining, moderately fertile.

📌 Extra Tips

• Deadhead regularly to encourage continuous blooming.

• Great for borders, containers, and pollinator gardens.

• Don’t overwater — salvia prefers slightly dry conditions once established.