The deep violet blue color of Victoria Blue salvia flowers are no doubt the plants' outstanding feature. Deep, true blue is a highly sought after color in flowers. Flowering in less than four months from seed, this is a splendid variety, a bushy base-branching plant producing numerous, long-lasting spikes of vivid deep blue flowers.
This tender perennial is hardy to 25°F so may survive the winter in sheltered locations. It makes a bushy plant and produces its deep blue flowers from May through to first frosts. A great choice for summer bedding and borders it brings butterflies into the garden by the dozen, and makes a wonderful cut or dried flower.
Victoria Blue salvia plants are often treated as bedding plants and massed together to form a "sea of blue." In round container gardens, install a Victoria plant in the middle, and let shorter plants in complementary colors trail over the edge. Victoria Blue salvia flowers can be used in cut-flower arrangements, they also dry wonderfully for a longer-lasting display.
Salvia farinacea is a hardier plant than its cousin, S. splendens, and may last for several years in mild winters. It is less prone to damage by snails and slugs, and is fairly self-sufficient except in extreme weather conditions.
~ planting ~
Sowing: Sow indoors in Spring.
Germination can be slow and erratic, especially if a fairly warm temperature is not maintained – around 65 to 75°F seems to be ideal. If at least 60°F is not possible do not sow before March.
Start indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last frosts are due. Do not cover the seed. Watch out for damping off. A fungicidal drench to prevent damping off might be helpful. Prick out the seedlings as appropriate. For best results the next move should be to a larger pot, increasing the size of these according to growth.
From the larger pots, move the plants to outdoor positions at the end of May or early June. Gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions for 10 to 15 days before planting out into their final positions. Space 6 to 12in apart.
Pinch off growing tip when plants are 6in tall to encourage bushy growth. Water, fertilize and deadhead regularly.
~ growing ~
Salvia require pretty much full sun to bloom and do well. - We have found if they are planted in the shade with will have fewer blooms and be more 'leggy'. Although drought-tolerant once established, a moderate amount of water must be supplied to young plants. Water freely especially in periods of drought.
A typical recommendation is that Salvia benefits from monthly liquid fertilizing to keep it blooming non-stop, though they will often bloomed impressively without such attention.
Remove the bloom spikes of salvias after blooms have faded to encourage continuous bloom. Some gardeners prefer to let salvia flowers go to seed. Wait until new growth begins to emerge in early spring to do your winter cleanup of old stems to avoid freeze damage. The best time to divide perennial salvias is in early spring, before new growth begins.
~ additional instructions ~
- all seeds are heirloom, open-pollinated, organic & non-gmo.
- detailed instructions are included with every seed package.
- inquire for discounts available on bulk quantities.
