# Salvia 'Victoria White' Care
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Sowing Seeds
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Victoria White salvia grows well in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11. Although a perennial in Southern areas of the United States, it is considered an annual in Northern locations. Start plants indoors from seeds, if desired, about 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost date. Sow seeds in a flat in a warm, well-lit area, barely pressing seeds into the growing medium. Keep soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Seedlings appear in two to three weeks. Before transplanting to their outdoor location, harden seedlings by keeping them in a sheltered outdoor area, such as a porch, for one week. Transplant when all danger of frost is past.
Planting
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Salvias tolerate a variety of soils, but grow best in moist, well-draining, rich soil. Victoria White salvia prefers full sun -- six to eight hours daily -- but tolerates some shade. Space seedlings, or plants purchased from garden centers, six to 12 inches apart with the top of the roots just under the soil line. Although salvia is heat and drought tolerant, provide plants with extra water in dry weather, to a depth of 2 inches. Deadhead for additional blossoming. The plants can bloom until midfall, since they survive light frosts.
Problems
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The two most common Victoria White foes are aphids, which harm plants by sucking their juices, and powdery mildew, a fungus that coats leaves with a white powdery growth. Running water from a hose over plants washes aphids away. Organic and chemical insecticides kill aphids. Prevent powdery mildew by placing plants in a sunny location with good air movement and the plants spaced far enough apart that their leaves do not touch. Avoid excessive fertilization -- salvias aren't picky about soil -- and watering.
Propagation
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Propagate perennial Victoria White salvia by division in spring, before new growth appears. Gently lift plants out of the ground, cut baby plants off with a clean, sharp knife and replant. The new plants might be slow to build well-developed root systems, so carefully tend to them throughout the first season.
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