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Salvia is perhaps the most common and popular flower, preferred by most gardeners. After all, this unpretentious plant will decorate any flower bed. Moreover, it can be used as a component when creating landscape compositions. And some types of Salvia flowers, whose height is 25-40 cm, are excellent for planting along garden paths.
You can grow Salvia not only in flower beds, but also in flowerpots, small boxes and flower pots. But this flower can not only decorate your garden or please the eye. Some species of this plant have healing properties.
Who is the mysterious Salvia?
Salvia has a second name - Sage. And this medicinal plant is known to many. The flower belongs to the Lamiaceae (Lamiaceae) family. Representatives of this genus grow on almost all continents except Australia.
Translated from Latin, "Salvia" means "promoting health" or "to be healthy." Almost all parts of this flower have healing properties to one degree or another. But it is worth mentioning that at the moment there is a clear limitation.
Sage is an herb and spice that grows wild. Salvia, which will be discussed in this article, is a decorative flower.
Salvia flowers were brought to Europe only in the 18th century, when the era of a general horticultural and floriculture boom began. At the moment, there are three types of this plant - perennials, biennials and annuals. Flowers classified as perennial and biennial grow mainly in countries with warm, temperate climates.
In Russia, most often you can find only annual plants, since in severe winter frosts the bush simply freezes.
Many gardeners are attracted to Salvia flowers by their rather long flowering period. No special skills or effort are required when growing, and this beauty blooms from June until autumn frosts.
Salvia flowers are popular with many gardeners because of their versatility:
- Unpretentious in cultivation and care;
- They can be used both as beautiful flowers for a flower bed, and as a component in landscape design;
- Propagated by seeds and cuttings;
- You can prepare seeds yourself4
- Green bushes, strewn with bright inflorescences, last until frost, which is of great importance for gardeners.
At the moment, just over 900 varieties of plants belonging to the genus “Sage” are known. Breeders have developed more than 300 new varieties of Salvia flowers. The most colorful representatives of the family - Shiny or Sparkling - decorate the flower beds and flower beds of many gardeners.
Description of the plant
Annual representatives of this genus grow up to 25-70 cm in height. These parameters depend on the variety and growing conditions. But perennial or biennial varieties of Salvia flowers can reach 120-130 cm in height, forming lush bushes.
Thanks to the work of breeders, Salvia is replete with a variety of colors: red, white, lilac, violet, pink shades adorn the gardens and flower beds of avid amateur gardeners.
The stems of Salvia flowers are mostly erect and tetrahedral. Lush bushes are decorated with whole or pinnately dissected leaves, which are arranged in pairs on small petioles. In most plants, the upper side of the leaf blade is several shades darker than the lower side.
Miniature flowers are collected at the top of the stem in paniculate or complex spike-shaped inflorescences. Their length ranges from 15-25 cm.
In place of the withered bud, immediately after flowering, 4 chambers with seeds are formed. The seed chambers ripen in a month. Seed germination lasts for five years.
Growing Salvia flowers from seeds is a very simple process. It is for this reason that this plant is considered universal, because it can be grown both in the south of Russia and in the northern regions with a harsh climate.
Some varieties
Despite the variety of varieties, most often in garden plots you can find mainly two types of Salvia flowers: Shiny and Bright Red.
Salvia brillianti – compact bushes up to 70-80 cm in height. The ovate leaves are dark green. The underside of the leaf blade is light green.Large flowers of irregular shape are collected in inflorescences, the length of which is up to 25 cm. The color range is represented by a variety of shades: deep red, purple, white, pink. Flowering is long - from June to late September - early October. Popular varieties: “Ogonyok”, “Fire Star”, “Salvador”, “Red Arrows”.
Salvia Bright Red – a compact subshrub up to 70 cm high. The bushes are densely leafy. The inflorescences are quite large - up to 35 cm. Bright red flowers adorn the flower garden from July to October. Bright representatives of this species are “Sherry Blossom” and “Lady in Red”.
Below are the most unique and beautiful photos of Salvia flowers.
Salvia Reddy White Surprise'
Salvia Reddy White
Salvia Reddy Lavender
Salvia Reddy Mix
Sparkling Dwarf red and white
Reddy Salmon
Raspberry fireworks
Rio
Horminum Marble Gate
Dubravnaya
Blue Monarch
Thanks to the wide range, you can realize your wildest dreams and create various compositions. After all, this plant goes well with many flowers.
Look at the photo how elegant Salvia looks surrounded by other flowers in the flowerbed
The author of the video will tell you about some varieties and types of Salvia:
How to grow good seedlings
There are two ways to propagate Salvia flowers - from seeds and vegetatively. The first method is used for growing annual and biennial flowers. Biennials begin to bloom only in the second year. But only perennial Salvia can be propagated by dividing the bush and cuttings.
Before growing Salvia from seeds, it is important to determine the timing of sowing, growing methods, as well as the characteristics and preferences of a particular variety of flowers.
Determining the right time for sowing
The timing of sowing depends on the growing method you choose.
You can grow flowers using the seedless method in regions with warm climates. In this case, Salvia seeds are planted in autumn or early spring. But it is worth considering that not all varieties can withstand winter frosts without loss. Often the seeds freeze out, and during return spring frosts, young, fragile shoots most often die. Therefore, preference should still be given to the seedling method of growing Salvia from seeds.
Some varieties of flowers, such as Brilliant or Sparkling, can be grown exclusively by seedlings. Sowing Salvia flowers for seedlings is carried out from the beginning February until the beginning of March, depending on the region and timing of transplantation into open ground.
In warm areas, flowers can be sown as early as early to mid-February. But in the northern regions, in the Urals, in Siberia, where spring comes several weeks later, the right time to plant Salvia for seedlings is no earlier than the end of February - beginning of March.
You can sow flowers either in seedlings or without seedlings not only with seeds, but also with granules. Treated seed material, coated with a small amount of mineral fertilizer, germinates several days later than regular seeds. But most gardeners have already appreciated the convenience of granules.
Let's start landing
Salvia seeds are sown superficially. This means that it is advisable to choose a shallow container for seedlings. Plastic molds 7-10 cm high are perfect for this purpose. Make small holes at the bottom of each container to drain excess water.
The soil for growing seedlings must be loose and fertile. If necessary, use ready-made soil mixtures.
Salvia flower seeds purchased in a store do not need pre-treatment before sowing. But self-harvested seed material should still be pre-soaked in a light pink solution of potassium permanganate for 4-5 hours.
The algorithm for planting Salvia flower seeds for seedlings is as follows:
- Place a drainage layer 1-1.5 cm thick on the bottom of the container;
- fill the containers 3/4 full with soil;
- place the seeds on the surface at a distance of 1-1.5 cm from each other;
- lightly sprinkle the plantings with soil. The seeds should be barely covered with soil, no more than 2 mm;
- Place the containers in the tray. It is better to water Salvia using a spray bottle, lightly irrigating the top layer;
- Place the seedlings in a warm, bright place.
Inspect the plantings daily. When the soil dries out, water the seedlings promptly. Under no circumstances should you overwater the seedlings. It is enough to keep it moist.
When growing Salvia flowers from seeds, you need to remember that in order to obtain strong, healthy seedlings, it is important to provide sufficient daily lighting for the plantings. If there is not enough sunlight, and your seedlings have faded and become stretched, provide them with additional illumination using a phytolamp or fluorescent lamp.
The air temperature in the room when growing Salvia seedlings should be within +22˚С +25˚С. Make sure that direct sunlight does not fall on your plantings.
Shoots appear 2-3 weeks after sowing.
The author of the video will share with you the secrets of planting Salvia seeds for seedlings:
Picking seedlings
Salvia flower seedlings need to be picked twice, in the phase of 2-3 true leaves, and later - after 3-4 weeks. Seedlings can be planted either in boxes for growing seedlings or in separate containers. It is important that the height of the container is at least 15-20 cm for the formation and growth of a full-fledged root system.
The composition of the soil for picking should be as close as possible to the soil in which the Salvia seedlings were grown. Picking flowers is not much different from planting other plants. There are just a few tips to keep in mind when diving:
- when transplanting seedlings into boxes or large containers, the distance between young shoots should be at least 5-7 cm;
- seedlings need to be buried up to the cotyledon leaves;
- It is advisable to make secondary picking in separate cups or pots with a diameter of at least 10-12 cm;
- after 4-5 true leaves appear, the top needs to be pinched so that future Salvia bushes are thicker, as well as for abundant flowering;
- Hardening off seedlings should begin 2-3 weeks before the intended planting in open ground.
It is not advisable to transplant flowers into a flower bed without hardening. The plants are not yet strong and will not be able to survive even with slight drops in temperature.
After picking, it is important to water Salvia flower seedlings on time. If desired, you can feed it 1-2 times with mineral fertilizers.
The author of the video will show you how to pick seedlings correctly:
Replanting in open ground
Before transplanting Salvia seedlings into open ground, you need to prepare the area. Salvia flowers grow and bloom well in sunny, open places protected from gusty winds. The only exception is Salvia Glutinous - it feels good both in the sun and in partial shade.
Sandy, light and fertile soil is ideal for flowers. It is important that water does not accumulate or stagnate in the beds.
When determining the timing when you can plant Salvia seedlings in open ground, you must first of all focus on the air temperature. When the thermometer is firmly established at +18˚С +22˚С, it is time to start transplanting.
Depending on the region, these dates occur on average in the second half of May - early June.
When replanting Salvia flowers in open ground, it is advisable to adhere to the following recommendations:
- The soil in the flower garden needs to be prepared in advance, 5-7 days before transplanting. Add a little sand to the soil - 3 kg per m², as well as humus or peat in the amount of 5-7 kg per m².
- Seedlings should be transplanted early in the morning or late in the evening. If the weather is hot, take care of shading the plantings in the next 2-4 days.
- Water Salvia flower seedlings a day before the planned transplant. Too dry or waterlogged soil can cause injury to the root system, which subsequently slows down rooting.
- Make planting holes at a distance of 25-30 cm, pour each one generously with warm, settled water.
26 - Salvia flowers need to be planted using the transshipment method. In this case, the seedlings are carefully removed from the boxes or glasses and transferred to the planting holes along with a lump of earth. Fill the voids in the planting hole, lightly compact the soil around the plants.
Further care for Salvia involves following standard procedures:
- Timely watering;
- Weeding;
- Feeding;
- Loosening.
If there is a threat of spring frosts, be sure to cover the flower garden with lutrasil or polyethylene. Annual Salvia does not have good frost resistance and may die.
You need to water the flowers as the top layer of soil dries out and preferably in the evening. Remember that this plant does not tolerate excessively wet soil.
At least 3-4 times a month, the soil in the flowerbed needs to be loosened to ensure access of fresh air to the root system.
Salvia needs to be fed with mineral complex fertilizers twice during the summer. The first time - a week after transplanting into open ground, the second time - during the formation of inflorescences.
For those Salvia varieties that grow more than 1 m in height, you will need to build a small support.
Propagation by cuttings
When propagating Salvia flowers using cuttings, only young shoots 5-10 cm long are used. Cut the branches with a sharp knife or scissors just below the node. Place the shoots in water with the addition of Kornevin. Root formation occurs within 2-3 weeks.
When the roots reach a length of 1-2 cm, they can be transplanted into the ground, into small pots with a diameter of at least 10 cm.The optimal air temperature when growing plants should be +20˚С +22˚С.
Flowers need to be watered and sprayed regularly. Late May - early June is the ideal time to plant Salvia in open ground. But first it needs to be hardened off, and only then planted in the garden.
Perennial flowers
Perennial Salvia requires more attention. In addition to traditional care work, it needs regular formative pruning of bushes. Pruning is carried out at least once a month so that the bushes are lush and lonely shoots do not stretch out and spoil the excellent appearance.
After wilting, all inflorescences are removed from the bush. In autumn, the perennial plant requires obligatory pruning of old, woody branches. All damaged and diseased shoots are also cut off.
After pruning, the soil under the bush needs to be mulched, and the bush should be prepared for winter: covered with spruce branches and dry leaves.
Salvia perennial grows very quickly. Therefore, once every 5-7 years you need to rejuvenate the bush.
Diseases and pests
Almost all varieties of Salvia flowers, both ordinary and decorative, are highly resistant to many diseases. Therefore, flowers very rarely get sick. If flowers are affected by fungal diseases, stop watering for several days and treat the plants with antifungal drugs.
However, insect pests often choose lush, large bushes as a refuge. Thrips, whiteflies, mites, and aphids can settle in a flowerbed. Slugs and snails really like the delicate foliage.
Snails and slugs must be removed manually.You can collect pests, or you can arrange traps or bait for them.
Other insects will have to be controlled exclusively with insecticides. During active insect control, it is advisable to limit watering.
Conclusion
Growing Salvia from seeds is a fairly simple and fun process. And in a few months your flower garden will bloom with bright colors. The bushes do not lose their shape for a long time and do not fall apart, and the unique flowers delight for a long period, which allows you to create an endless number of compositions and combinations with other plants.
