Clary 'Indigo' Salvia pratensis 'Indigo'

Water

Meadow Sage should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water to soak the soil thoroughly. During hot or dry periods, increase watering to twice per week, ensuring you're not just wetting the surface but reaching the roots. In cooler weather or if there has been substantial rainfall, reduce the frequency to prevent overwatering and root rot. Always allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to encourage strong root development. It is generally not necessary to follow a strict ounce or gallon measurement but focus on soil moisture levels.

Light

Meadow Sage thrives in full sun conditions where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. A spot that provides morning sun and protection from the intense afternoon sun can prevent scorching in hotter climates. However, in cooler climates, full exposure throughout the day is beneficial for maximum flowering.

Temperature

Meadow Sage is hardy and can endure a wide range of temperatures, but it performs best when daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 70°F. The plant can survive minimum temperatures down to about -30°F and maximum temperatures up to around 90°F, though prolonged heat can stress the plant. Ideal growing conditions include moderate temperatures with cooler nights to promote vigorous growth and flowering.

Pruning

Pruning Meadow Sage is important to encourage a bushier plant and more abundant blooms. Cut back the plant by one-third in early spring to promote fresh growth, and deadhead spent flowers regularly to extend the blooming period. After the first flush of blooms, a more aggressive cutback can stimulate a second bloom cycle. The best time for major pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth starts.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Meadow Sage 'Indigo' thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter with a pH ranging from neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6.0 - 7.0). A mix containing garden loam, compost, and sharp sand can create an ideal environment for healthy growth.

Repotting

Meadow Sage 'Indigo' should be repotted every 1-2 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It is best to repot in early spring before new growth begins.

Humidity & Misting

Meadow Sage 'Indigo' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require high humidity; average room humidity is typically sufficient for this plant.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Meadow Sage 'Indigo' near a sunny window.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun to partial shade in spring or fall.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

Meadow clary 'Indigo' begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in spring, after a period of cold stratification which breaks seed dormancy. The seedlings then develop into rosettes of oblong leaves at ground level, and through the spring and summer, the plant grows vegetatively. During late spring to early summer, the plant sends up flower spikes adorned with striking indigo-blue flowers, which are attractive to bees and other pollinators. After pollination, seeds are produced and dispersed, and the plant can also spread by rhizomatous growth. As temperatures cool and day length shortens in autumn, the above-ground parts of the plant die back, leaving the roots and rhizomes to overwinter. In the following spring, the cycle begins anew with the initiation of growth from the overwintering vegetative parts or germination of new seeds.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Salvia pratensis 'Indigo', commonly known as meadow sage, is often propagated by seed. The best time to sow seeds is in late winter to early spring under cover or after the last frost if sowing directly outdoors. To propagate by seed, prepare a well-draining seed starting mix and scatter the seeds on the surface, lightly pressing them into the soil but not covering them as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place the container in a warm spot with plenty of light. Germination should occur within two to three weeks. Once seedlings have developed true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or their final position in the garden. This method allows for a large number of new plants and maintains genetic diversity within the population.