Gabriel Collares / CC BY 4.0
Salvia
Salvia aurea
Overview
A massive genus that includes both culinary sage and hundreds of ornamental species, salvias are among the most valuable plants for pollinators. From the brilliant scarlet of S. splendens to the electric blue of S. guaranitica and the midnight purple of 'Black and Blue,' ornamental salvias offer months of continuous bloom. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees are powerfully attracted to their tubular flowers.
Growing Conditions
How to Grow Salvia
Salvia (Salvia aurea) is a forb/herb that grows to about 535 feet tall and 3 feet wide.
Salvia is hardy across USDA hardiness zones 7–10. Plant it in well-drained, moderately fertile soil; drought-tolerant once established, at a slightly acidic pH of 5.5–7.5.
Exact sowing, transplanting, and harvest months shift by climate zone — the planting calendar below lays them out for cool through hot regions. Its flowers appear from May through June, offering high value to pollinators. Give it what it asks for here, and it will find its place in the garden.
Companion Planting & Soil
Salvia grows well alongside lavender, echinacea, rudbeckia, and agastache.
Good Companions
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Start Indoors | Feb — Mar | Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost; do not cover — needs light |
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | Jun — Jun | Transplant after all frost danger |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Jul — Sep | Deadhead spent spikes to encourage rebloom through frost |
| Cool (3-4) | Start Indoors | Feb — Mar | Start indoors 8 weeks early |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | May — May | Transplant after last frost |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Jun — Oct | Continuous bloom with deadheading |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Apr — May | Transplant when frost danger passes; great hummingbird plant |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | May — Nov | Long bloom season; attracts hummingbirds and butterflies |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Transplant in spring |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Apr — Nov | Blooms spring through fall |
| Hot (10+) | Transplant | Feb — Mar | Plant in late winter/early spring |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Mar — Nov | Long season; may pause in extreme heat |
Uses
Beyond the Garden
Salvia earns its keep past the plate, too: premier hummingbird and pollinator plant; long-blooming annual and perennial options for continuous color; heat and drought tolerant landscape plant.
