Plant salvias in spring after the danger of frost has passed, which Clemson calls the best time. Start scarlet sage (S. splendens) and mealycup sage (S. farinacea) indoors 6 to 8 weeks before planting out, leaving the seed uncovered because it needs light (Clemson, Johnny's, NC State). Other salvias from seed need about 12 weeks (Clemson). Divide perennial salvias in early spring (Clemson). Most want full sun and well-drained soil (Clemson, NC State, UF/IFAS).
Salvia, or sage, is a huge genus in the mint family, with about 1,000 species (NC State; Clemson says more than 900). Some are tender perennials grown as annuals, such as scarlet sage (S. splendens, hardy only in zones 10 to 11 per NC State) and mealycup sage (S. farinacea, zones 8 to 10). Others are hardy perennials, such as woodland sage (zones 4a to 8b per NC State) and autumn sage (S. greggii, zones 6a to 9b). Culinary sage (S. officinalis) and rosemary (now Salvia rosmarinus) belong to the same genus (Clemson). This guide focuses on the flowering kinds.
When to plant salvia
| Timing | What the sources say |
|---|---|
| Spring, after the danger of frost (transplants) | Clemson says this is the best time to plant salvias. Johnny's moves mealycup sage outdoors after the danger of frost |
| 6 to 8 weeks before planting time (scarlet and mealycup sage indoors) | Clemson starts S. splendens 6 to 8 weeks ahead without covering the seed; it sprouts in 12 to 15 days. Johnny's sows S. farinacea 6 to 8 weeks ahead, pressed in but uncovered; it sprouts in 5 to 12 days at 75 to 78°F |
| 12 weeks before planting time (other salvias from seed) | Clemson starts other salvias 12 weeks ahead and says to follow the packet for depth |
| After frost (seed outdoors) | Johnny's also direct-sows mealycup sage in clumps of 3 or 4 seeds (GardenPal reading: wait until frost danger has passed, as for transplants) |
| Early spring, as new growth starts (dividing perennials) | Clemson divides perennial salvias in early spring |
Use our planting calendar with your last frost date to count back 6 to 8 weeks (or 12) for indoor sowing.
How to plant salvia
| Scarlet sage (S. splendens) | Mealycup sage (S. farinacea) | Woodland sage | Autumn sage (S. greggii) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grown as | Annual (tender perennial, zones 10 to 11) (NC State) | Annual, or perennial in zones 8 to 10 (NC State, Johnny's) | Perennial, zones 4a to 8b (NC State) | Perennial or sub-shrub, zones 6a to 9b (NC State) |
| Light | Full sun to part shade (NC State) | Full sun (NC State); sun to part shade (Johnny's) | Full sun to part shade (NC State) | Full sun; afternoon shade in hot regions (NC State) |
| Soil and water | Well drained; not drought tolerant and needs warmth (NC State) | Well drained; tolerates dry clay (NC State) | Average, well drained; drought tolerant (NC State) | Well drained, even rocky; drought and salt tolerant (NC State) |
| Height | 1 to 3 ft (NC State); 8 to 30 in (Clemson) | 1.5 to 3 ft (NC State); 18 to 24 in (Johnny's) | 1.5 to 3 ft (NC State) | 2 to 3 ft (NC State) |
| Start from | Seed, uncovered (Clemson, NC State) or cuttings | Seed, uncovered (Johnny's) or cuttings | Seed, cuttings or division (NC State, Clemson) | Semi-ripe cuttings root easily (NC State) |
Spacing varies with the type: Johnny's spaces mealycup sage 10 to 14 inches apart, while UF/IFAS spaces larger landscape salvias 24 to 36 inches apart. UF/IFAS digs a hole twice as wide as the pot and sets the plant slightly high, about an inch above the soil.
Watering, feeding and deadheading
- Water until established. Most salvias are drought tolerant once settled (Clemson, UF/IFAS). Clemson warns that too much water and fertilizer increases fungal disease.
- Feed lightly. Clemson uses a slow-release fertilizer for annuals at planting if there's no soil test; UF/IFAS applies a balanced slow-release fertilizer each spring.
- Deadhead for rebloom. Clemson removes faded spikes to keep flowers coming. NC State says to cut woodland sage back to the basal leaves once the stems brown, and it will bloom again. Pruning mealycup sage after a long bloom keeps it compact (NC State).
- Mind the sun on pale colors. UF/IFAS says light-colored annual salvias can scorch in strong midday sun, so give them some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Salvia in containers
NC State says scarlet sage grows well in containers, and compact selections suit edging and pots. UF/IFAS also recommends salvias for containers. Use a free-draining mix, since salvias need good drainage (Clemson, NC State).
Fall and winter
- Leave perennial stems standing. Clemson says to leave dormant stems intact and wait to prune until new growth starts in spring, to avoid freeze damage.
- Tender types are killed by frost in most areas and are replanted each spring; in warm areas, UF/IFAS cuts plants back after freeze damage.
- Seedlings: some salvias self-sow (UF/IFAS); Clemson says S. coccinea reseeds.
Pests and problems
NC State lists whiteflies, aphids, mealybugs and spider mites, plus rust, powdery mildew, stem rot and leaf spot. Clemson adds damping-off of seedlings and botrytis, and UF/IFAS says salvias have no serious pests. Good drainage and air flow are the best prevention (NC State, Clemson). Salvias are resistant to deer and rabbits (Clemson, NC State).
Salvia around the vegetable garden
NC State says many Mexican salvias draw hummingbirds and Old World species draw bees, and that salvias suit pollinator and butterfly gardens. One caution from NC State: many compact bedding cultivars of scarlet sage have little or no nectar, so for pollinators choose species types such as mealycup or autumn sage. Salvia pairs well with lavender, coneflowers and black-eyed Susans; see also flowers that attract beneficial insects.
Frequently asked questions
When should I plant salvia?
In spring after the danger of frost has passed, which Clemson calls the best time.
When do I start salvia seeds indoors?
6 to 8 weeks before planting out for scarlet sage (Clemson) and mealycup sage (Johnny's), and about 12 weeks for other salvias (Clemson).
Do salvia seeds need light to germinate?
Scarlet and mealycup sage do. Clemson, NC State and Johnny's say not to cover the seed.
Is salvia an annual or a perennial?
Both. Scarlet sage is grown as an annual in most areas, while woodland sage and autumn sage are perennials (NC State).
Should I cut back salvia?
Deadhead spent spikes in summer for more flowers (Clemson). On perennials, leave the dormant stems over winter and prune when new growth starts in spring (Clemson).
Is salvia deer resistant?
Yes. Clemson and NC State say salvias are resistant to deer and rabbits.
Enter your last frost date to time indoor salvia sowing and planting out.
Open itSources
- Virginia Cooperative Extension, "Companion Planting in Gardening" (SPES-620P)
- University of Maryland Extension, "Vegetable Succession and Companion Planting"
- Oregon State University Extension, "Companion Planting"
- Penn State Extension, "Herbs Make Good Plant Partners and Companions"
- University of Minnesota Extension, "Planting the vegetable garden"
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (frost/freeze data)
- Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC, "Salvia"
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, "Salvia"
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, "Salvia splendens"
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, "Salvia nemorosa"
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, "Salvia farinacea"
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, "Salvia greggii"
- Johnny's Selected Seeds, "Salvia farinacea (mealycup sage): key growing information"
- UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions, "Salvia"
Pairings are summarized in our own words from extension-service guidance. Research support for many companion effects is limited, so treat them as good habits, not guarantees.