How-to Guide
How to Grow Annual Salvia
The short answer
Plant annual salvias after the threat of frost has passed in spring, in a sunny site with well-drained soil (Iowa State Extension). The big three are scarlet sage (Salvia splendens, 1-2 ft), mealycup sage (S. farinacea, 1-3 ft, blue/purple/white spikes), and Texas sage (S. coccinea, 1-3 ft).
Pinch seedling tips to force branching, water and fertilize regularly — especially in containers — and remove spent flower spikes to keep bloom going and prevent self-seeding. The payoff is a season-long runway of spikes that bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds work constantly.
Pick Your Salvia
- Scarlet sage (Salvia splendens) — 1-2 feet; the classic red bedding spike, blooming late spring to first frost.
- Mealycup sage (Salvia farinacea) — 1-3 feet; blue, purple, or white spikes with a cooler, airier look.
- Texas sage (Salvia coccinea) — 1-3 feet; looser red flowers, loved by hummingbirds. (Heights per Iowa State Extension.)
When and Where to Plant
All three go out after the frost threat has passed, into full sun and well-drained soil (Iowa State Extension). They all take the same basic care, so mix freely.
Aromatic salvia foliage tends to deter deer and rabbits — but Iowa State warns that young Salvia splendens plants are the exception: protect them from rabbits for the first month after planting.
Pinching and Deadheading
Pinch the tips of seedlings or new transplants to promote branching — more branches means more flower spikes (Iowa State Extension).
As each spike finishes, cut it off. Removing spent flowers both encourages continued blooming and prevents unwanted self-seeding.
Water, Feeding, and Containers
Water and fertilize regularly, especially plants in containers (Iowa State Extension). Salvias work well in beds, borders, and pots; container plants dry out and run out of nutrients much faster than bedded ones, so they get the most feeding attention.
For the Pollinators
Annual salvia flowers are magnets for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds (Iowa State Extension). If you want hummingbirds specifically, the red tubular spikes of scarlet and Texas sage are the draw — plant them where you can watch.
→ Bloom is continuous rather than flush-based: with sun, water, and deadheading, salvias run from planting to first frost without a scheduled cutback.
Sources
Reviewed 2026-07-18. We cite university Extension, government, and established horticultural sources — and never invent pesticide rates or dangerous treatments.
- Iowa State University Extension — Annual Salvias or Sages — Plant after frost threat passes in sun with well-drained soil; species heights (splendens 1-2 ft, farinacea 1-3 ft, coccinea 1-3 ft); pinch tips for branching; deadhead to continue bloom and stop self-seeding; container care; pollinator value; rabbit protection for young splendens
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Salvia farinacea — Mealycup sage produces blue, violet, or white flower spikes and is grown as an annual in colder zones