Patio Deep Blue Salvia

Pure gentian blue flowers are rare and eye-catching in flower gardens. This salvia, also known as Gentian Sage, throws out 14-16” spikes of blue the entire season. We enjoyed the lovely bouquets they made for us this summer. Perennial, grown as an annual in zones 7 and below. 

20 seeds

PLANTING

Salvia patens

Annual, Perennial zone 7 and above

Germination: 7-21 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 65-75ºF

Seed Planting Depth: Sow on the surface and lightly press in, needs light to germinate

Starting Indoors: Start indoors 6-10 weeks before the last frost. Provide 65-75ºF soil temperature. Transplant after last frost, 10-12” apart

Sowing Outdoors:  After the last frost, when soil is over 65ºF.  Only in areas with long growing seasons.

Growth Habit: Columnar, upright

Height and Width: 24-30” x 10-12”

Spacing: 10-12" apart

Light Needs: Full sun, light shade 

Soil Needs: Average, well-drained

Approximate days to flower from seed: 100-110 days

Uses: Cut flowers, patio containers, bedding plants, established plants tolerate drought, low maintenance, long-lasting color, deer resistant.

Care: Water seedlings regularly until established. Amend soil with compost before transplanting.  Cut back stems as the blooms fade, this encourages more flower production. Fertilize with a liquid fertilizer every few weeks.