How to Grow Salvia

Salvia, or sage, is a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae. It includes about 700 to 900 species that are grown as herbs or ornamental plants. These plants thrive in sub-tropical environments and include annual, biennial, and perennial herbs and shrubs. Its flowers are produced in spikes, racemes, or panicles in a showy display of bright colors.

Steps to Grow Salvia

1. Plant Requirements
   • Salvia divinorum grows in humid weather with temperatures between 45º to 70º Fahrenheit.
   • It only requires a few hours of partial sunlight a day. Salvia grown indoors can be placed by a window to get the required sunlight that it needs.
   • Plant salvia in well-drained soil to keep the roots from getting soaked. Over-saturated soil can lead to root rot.
2. How to GrowSalvia divinorum is mostly propagated through cuttings.
   • Rooting in Water

     a) Cut off a 6 to 10-inch branch that bears some leaves. Take care to make the cut just below a node as this is where roots are likely to develop.
     b) Put the cutting in a vase with 1 ½-inch of water. Make sure to submerge the entire node in the water and have it replaced daily.
     c) Place the vase with the cutting in an area that receives filtered sunlight.
     d) When the root has grown to about an inch, transplant the cutting to a well-drained soiled pot. Cover the plant with a glass jar or a plastic bag until the plant has become established.

   • Rooting in Soila) Get a disposable plastic cup and punch holes on the outside for drainage. Fill it 2/3 the way up with potting soil.
     b) Make a 2-inch deep hole in the soil for the cutting.
     c) Cut a branch as mentioned above. Dip the cutting immediately in water.
     d) Before planting in soil, dip the end of the cutting in rooting powder and shake off the excess. Place it in the hole in the cup and gently fill in the hole around the stem. Water the plant until the water runs out of the drainage holes.
     e) Place the first cup in the second cup. Put some gravel in the second cup to keep the drainage holes unblocked.
     f) Cover the cups with plastic bag that will act as a humidity tent. Secure the plastic bag by wrapping a rubber band against the cups at the bottom. Water it at least once a day. Do this cycle for at least two weeks or until the plant is established.
     g) Remove the bag and transfer the plant to a bigger pot.
3. Growing Salvia flowersSalvia grown as ornamental plants are often identified by their scientific names, such as Salvia apiana (white sage), Salvia azurea (Azure blue sage), and Salvia candelabrum. There are annual and perennial varieties of salvia flowers. Sizes generally range from 10 to 60 inches. Most varieties have flowers below 36 inches in size.
   • How to Grow

     a) Salvia can be directly sowed into the ground or seeded indoors for transplanting later. If starting indoors, sow the seeds 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Spread the seeds on top of the soil if sowing directly into the site. Water lightly to keep from washing the seeds away or from penetrating deep into the soil.
     b) Transplant the seedlings into well-fertilized soil after the frost has gone. Space the salvia 10 to 20 inches apart. Add fertilizers once a month after transplanting the seedlings.
     c) Keep the soil moist to slightly dry by watering once or twice per week.
     d) Apply mulch around the plants to keep the weeds out.