Collection: Salvia (Sage) Seeds

what we love about salvia

The name Salvia is from the Latin verb salvere, meaning health, well-being, prosperity, and salvation. The plant has long been used as an herbal medicine and now makes regular appearances in gardens around the world. Salvia is incredibly resilient and is both heat and cold-tolerant, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant to boot! Salvia (sage) seeds are hardy annuals in zones 3 through 9 with some varieties growing perennially in zones 7 and up. These flowers are easy to grow and maintain and will attract a great variety of pollinators to the garden. Salvia also makes an excellent cut flower.

how and when to plant salvia seeds

Direct seed salvia (sage) seeds after the threat of frost has passed and soil temps have reached 65°F. For earlier blooms, seed indoors roughly six to eight weeks before the final frost date. Salvia seeds typically take one to two weeks to germinate, depending on soil temperature, and do best in consistently moist potting media with temperatures between 65 and 85°F. Sow seeds on the surface of the soil and leave uncovered, as seeds prefer light to germinate. Maintaining high humidity and consistent temperatures will improve germination rates. Try covering your seed-starting container with a humidity dome or plastic wrap and misting regularly. Remove the cover once 10 to 15% of your seeds have germinated and continue misting regularly until most seeds have germinated. Once plants have three sets of true leaves, pot them into lager containers. Harden off plants for a week before transplanting them into the garden.

Salvia (sage) does best full sun but can tolerate light shade. It prefers nutrient-rich, well-drained soils. Provide 18 to 24 inches between plants, depending on varietal specifications (taller varieties usually require wider spacing). Flower spikes can grow as tall as three feet in one season!

caring for your salvia plants

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous and extended blooming. Salvia (sage) plants may start to look tired come mid-summer. Cutting the plants back by one third can reinvigorate the plant and encourage the growth of new foliage and vibrant continuous blooming. Existing plants can be divided in the late winter/early spring in regions where they grows perennially (zones 7 to 9, depending on variety).

For more information about planting, growing, and caring for salvia (sage) seeds, see the Salvia (Sage) Seeds Planting Guide.