Product Review

Salvia farinacea, or commonly known as Salvia or Mealy Cup Sage, is very attractive to beneficial insects and hummingbirds. A perennial, this variety, Blue Victory, has an erect habit with branches producing multiple spikes of two-toned blue and white blooms and silvery foliage. Salvia is very complimentary in a cottage garden or old-fashioned cutting garden. The blooms are nice for cutting and they dry well with everlasting color that is perfect for dried arrangements. It benefits from deadheading to encourage continuous blooming. Salvia seed can be started indoors 8 - 10 weeks before the last frost. Or, for areas with a very long growing season, start the seed outdoors after danger of frost has passed. Prepare a seedbed by loosening the top 2 inches of soil and weeding. Do not cover the seeds but gently press them into the soil. Keep seed moist until germination. With a temperature of 68 - 75F, germination is usually within 30 days. Space the plants 12 - 18 inches apart. Grow in full sun to partial shade and in moist but well-draining soil. Salvia is usually resistant to deer. This variety is a perennial only in frost-free zones, but grow it as an annual everywhere else.