Salvia plants are a genus of flowering plants in the mint family. They are native to the Mediterranean region and are widely cultivated for their ornamental value. Salvia plants are known for their showy flowers that come in a variety of colors, including purple, blue, pink, white, and red. They are also known for their attractive foliage and for their strong, fragrant aroma. Salvia plants are drought tolerant and thrive in full sun, making them a great choice for gardens in dry climates.
Planning Your Garden With Salvia
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Salvia is a perennial. |
| USDA Zone | The USDA Hardiness Zone range for Salvia is 5-10. |
| Cold Tolerance | Salvia is generally considered to be hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5-10. In these zones, it can tolerate temperatures as low as 28. In colder zones, it should be grown as an annual or in a container that can be brought indoors in the winter. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest salvia depends on the variety. Generally, it takes between 60 and 90 days from the time of planting for the salvia to reach maturity and be ready for harvest. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown salvia plant is between 1 and 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. |
| Spacing requirements | Salvia should be planted in an area with full sun and well-drained soil. Space the plants 12-18 inches apart to give them plenty of room to grow. |
| Sun tolerance | Salvia is generally very tolerant of full sun and will thrive in locations that receive 6 or more hours of direct sunlight each day. |
| Shade tolerance | Salvia is a sun-loving plant that prefers full sun but can tolerate a bit of light shade. It is best to avoid planting it in deep shade, as the plant may become leggy and produce fewer blooms. |
| Water requirements | Salvia requires well-draining soil that is kept lightly moist. Water the plant when the soil is dry to a depth of 1 inch. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. During the growing season, water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. In winter, reduce watering to once every two weeks. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer used when growing salvia will depend on the type of fertilizer used and the soil conditions. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. Apply the fertilizer at a rate of 1-2 tablespoons per gallon of soil. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing salvia is 6.0 to 7.0. |
Why Salvia is Popular
People like to grow salvia for its attractive, colorful foliage and its fragrant, showy flowers. Salvia is also a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow and care for, making it a popular choice for gardeners of all skill levels. Additionally, many species of salvia are known for their medicinal properties, making them a popular choice for those interested in herbal remedies.
Companion Plants For Salvia
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for salvia include:
Common Pests For Salvia
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow salvia, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- thrips
- aphids
- caterpillars
- whiteflies
- spider mites
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
