SKU

AVSALSED39

How to plant salvia

Dig a hole twice the diameter of the container the plant is in. Remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Space plants 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on the variety. Carefully fill in around the plant and firm the soil gently. Water thoroughly.

Care

Add a 2-inch layer of mulch around the plant to retain moisture and control weeds. Water plants during the summer if rainfall is less than 1 inch per week. Salvia does not like excessive summer irrigation. Salvia really doesn’t need feeding during the season. To encourage continuous blooms throughout the season, deadhead spent flowers periodically. At the end of the season, leave flowers on plants to encourage reseeding (and to feed the birds). Some develop woody lower stems with age; feel free to prune this. After the first killing frost, cut stems back to an inch or two above soil line. Divide perennial salvias every few years. The best time to divide is in early spring before new growth begins. Just lift, divide into clumps, and replant. Every spring, apply a new think layer of compost, and mulch again.

Pests/Diseases

Powdery mildew Aphids Spider mites Whiteflies Root rot Botrytis blight