Salvia Flower Care

Planting

• Salvia requires a sunny, well-drained spot for growing. Although some varieties act as annuals, others die back during the winter and regrow in the spring. Enrich the soil if the soil is sandy or heavy by adding organic material such as compost or shredded peat moss to loosen the soil and add moisture-retaining fibers.

Deadheading

• Deadheading is a process of cutting back the flower stems after the blooms fade. Since the plant transitions from producing flowers to developing seeds, when you cut away the flower stem, the plant tries again and produces more flowers. Use a pair of pruning shears to prevent damage from pulling and cut the stem as far back to the plant as possible.

Fertilizing

• Most salvias grow well without any addition such as fertilizers. However, there are times when the soil needs the extra minerals of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. When the plant comes out of dormancy in the spring, add a balanced fertilizer and then again in midsummer to give it a boost for the rest of the summer.

Dividing

• Many varieties of salvia continue to expand their root mass year after year becoming good-sized shrubs. If you dig them up and divide the mass into two to four sections, you rejuvenate the plant and increase the number of plants. Use a flat-edged shovel to cut through the center of the mass and water each section well after planting until new growth appears.