How To Grow Mealy Blue Sage From Seeds - Salvia Farinacea
Mealy Blue Sage, also known as Salvia Farinacea, is a popular herb known for its fragrant blue flowers and its versatility in the garden. Whether you want to grow it as a border plant, a focal point in a flower bed, or even in pots on a patio, blue sage is a great choice.
Growing blue sage from seeds is a cost-effective and rewarding way to add this plant to your garden.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to grow blue sage from seeds.
- Start Mealy Blue Sage Seeds Indoors
Start Salvia Farinacea seeds indoors, 10 weeks before the potential last frost in your area.
2. Prepare the Soil
Mealy Blue sage is an adaptable plant that can grow in a variety of soils, but it prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. To prepare the soil, mix compost into the existing soil to improve its nutrient content and structure.
- Sow the Seeds
Sow seed in starter trays, press the seed into the soil and barely cover. Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and space them about 12 inches apart. Cover the seeds with soil and water them gently. Place a protective covering over the tray to keep seeds moist and warm.
- Provide Adequate Light
Mealy Blue Sage seeds needs light to germinate. Salvia Farinacea plants need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Place the seeds in an area that receives plenty of sunlight, or provide artificial light if necessary.
- Keep the Soil Moist
Once the seeds have been sown, keep the seeds and soil moist, but not soaked until established. You can do this by watering the seeds gently every day or every other day, depending on the conditions.
- Thin the Seedlings
Once the seedlings have emerged and grown to about 2-3 inches tall, thin them out so that each seedling has about 12 inches of space around it. This will ensure that each plant has enough room to grow and develop.
- Fertilize the Plants
Once the seedlings have been thinned, begin fertilizing them regularly with a balanced fertilizer. This will provide the plants with the nutrients they need to grow and develop.
- Transplant the Plants
When the danger of frost has passed, transplant the Mealy Blue Sage seedlings into larger containers or into the garden 12 - 18 inches apart in a sunny location. Be sure to plant them at the same depth as they were growing in their original containers.
Mealy Blue Sage will do best in areas that have moderate humidity.
Provide them plenty of water in dry weather. In areas where extreme temperatures can occur, Salvia may need light to moderate shade instead of full sun.
9. Mealy Blue Sage Care
After an extended period of blooming, trim Salvia Farinacea plant back for thicker, more compact foliage and a shorter flowering plant. The trim will delay flowering for a few days, but it is important in preventing uneven and sparse growth, and the blooms will come back in large amounts.
Mealy Blue sage is a hardy and easy-to-grow plant that will reward you with beautiful blue flowers for many years to come.
By following these steps, you can successfully grow blue sage from seeds and enjoy this wonderful herb in your garden.