Salvia Salvia 'Phoenix Mixed'

Water

For the Salvia 'Phoenix Mixed', commonly known as Scarlet Sage or Annual Salvia, water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each time. Ensure that the soil is allowed to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. In hot, dry climates, water may be required more frequently to maintain consistent soil moisture. Annual Salvia prefers not to be left dry for prolonged periods, but overwatering can be just as harmful as under watering. If the plants are in containers, they may need to be watered more often, especially if the weather is particularly hot or windy.

Light

Scarlet Sage thrives in full sun conditions, so place it in a spot where it will receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Too little light can result in a leggy plant with poor flowering. If grown indoors, a south-facing window is typically the best spot for ample sunlight. However, in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade may be beneficial to prevent scorching.

Temperature

Scarlet Sage prefers warm temperatures and is generally grown as an annual in cooler climates. It can withstand a wide temperature range, but growth and flowering are optimal when the daytime temperature is between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It should not be exposed to temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, as it is not frost-tolerant. Planting should occur after the danger of frost has passed in the spring, and the plant will thrive until the first frost of fall.

Pruning

Pruning Scarlet Sage promotes bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch back the tips of the plants in the spring to encourage branching, and deadhead spent blooms regularly to prolong the flowering period. Pruning is also beneficial for preventing the plant from becoming too leggy. The best time for major pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth begins, but light pruning and deadheading can be done throughout the growing season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Salvia, commonly known as sage, thrives best in a well-draining soil mix enriched with organic matter. A balanced soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal. Incorporate perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage and add compost to provide nutrients.

Repotting

Salvias should be repotted every 1-2 years to ensure they have enough room to grow and that the soil remains fertile and well-draining. Repot in spring just before the growing season begins.

Humidity & Misting

Salvias prefer moderate humidity levels and typically do well with the ambient humidity found in outdoor gardens or inside most homes. They do not require any special humidity adjustments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Keep Salvia in bright, indirect light indoors and maintain moderate humidity.

• Outdoor

  Salvias need full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil outdoors.

• Hardiness zone

  8-10 USDA

Life cycle

Salvia 'Phoenix Mixed', commonly known as Sage, begins with seed germination, which occurs in warm, moist soil conditions, typically in the spring. Upon germination, the seeds develop into seedlings, exhibiting cotyledons before the true leaves emerge. The vegetative growth stage follows, where the plant develops a robust stem structure, and foliage growth is prioritized, leading to the formation of a bushy plant. As the sage enters the reproductive stage, flower spikes produce colorful blooms attractive to pollinators, which is usually in late spring or early summer. After pollination, the flowers develop into seeds, completing the cycle. The plant may then enter a period of dormancy in colder climates or continue to grow in warmer regions where it can be a perennial.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for Salvia 'Phoenix Mixed', otherwise known as sage, is by seed. To propagate sage, start by sowing seeds indoors in early spring, about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Use a well-draining seed starting mix, and lightly cover the seeds with a fine layer of soil. Moisten the soil but be careful not to overwater, as sage seeds are prone to rot in overly wet conditions. Maintain a temperature within the range of 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit (21-24 degrees Celsius), as germination is best within this range. Seedlings usually emerge within 2 to 3 weeks and can be transplanted outside after the risk of frost has passed and seedlings have reached a robust size.