How to Grow Bedding Salvia
Salvia splendens
Tender Warm Season
Bedding salvia is a tender annual for full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Sow on the surface indoors at 21-24°C in late winter as seeds need light to germinate. Prick out into modules, harden off thoroughly after the last frost, and plant out 30cm apart. Deadhead spent spikes back to the next side shoot to keep the vivid flower display going all summer until the first frost.
When to Start
Start seeds indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant outdoors once night temperatures stay above 10°C and soil has warmed to at least 18°C.
Don't know your frost date? Find it here →
Growth Stages
Sow seeds
Day 0 Germination
~14 days Flowering
~105 days Seed to harvest ~105 days
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Liquid feed every two weeks with a balanced or high-potash fertilizer once flowering begins.
- One of the most reliable summer bedding plants. Keep it fed and deadheaded for colour from planting until the first frosts.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 18°C+
- Germination temperature
- 21–24°C
Pet Safety
Don't know your frost date? Find it here
- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 30 cm |
| Row spacing | 30 cm |
| Sow depth | 0 cm |
| Mature height | 35 cm |
| Mature spread | 30 cm |
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 18°C |
| Germination temperature | 21–24°C |
| Base growth temperature | 10°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 12h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Bedding Salvia?
- Plant Bedding Salvia 30cm apart with 30cm between rows.
- When does Bedding Salvia flower?
- Bedding Salvia typically flowers approximately 35 days after transplanting.
- Is Bedding Salvia frost hardy?
- Bedding Salvia is classified as Tender.
