Salvia (Meadow Sage)
Floriferous genus for the sunny border. Flowers are long-lasting and plants readily rebloom, if deadheaded or sheared back after flowering. Drought tolerant.
| Growing Temperature: | 55-65° F |
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| Soil pH: | 5.8-6.2 |
| Fertility: | Salvias are light to moderate feeders, requiring only modest amounts of fertilizer. |
| Pests and Diseases: | The primary pests seen are aphids, thrips, spider mites, whiteflies and leaf hoppers. Other pests to look out for include scale, beetles, snails and slugs, stalk borers, plant bugs, caterpillers, nematodes, Greenhouse Leaftier moth (Oeobia), greenhouse orthezia (Orthezia).
Potential diseases include crown and root rots, bacterial blights (Pseudomonas), leaf spots, Botrytis blight, damping-off, powdery mildew (Erysiphe), downy mildew (Peronospora), Verticillium wilt, stem rot (Sphaeropsis), Sclerotium rot, rusts and viruses |
| Potting and Timing: | Roots can be trimmed to fit container. |
| Moisture: | Water plants thoroughly and let plants dry out between waterings. Salvia require average amounts of irrigation, overwatering can lead to root and crown rot. |
| Planting Level: | Plant crown even with soil level. |
| PGRs/Pinching: | It is beneficial to pinch plants from plugs to increase lateral branching. Provide a soft pinch one to two weeks after planting. PGRs can be used to control height if desired. |
| Lighting: | Salvias will flower faster and better under long days. |
