Sowing and care guidance
Sow Salvia viridis seeds under cover in warmth, then plant out after the last frost, or direct sow once the soil is workable and nights are mild. In mild climates, autumn sowing can give an earlier display. Choose full sun and well-drained, moderately fertile soil; avoid overfeeding, which encourages soft growth. Keep evenly moist but not wet, and water at the base. Thin and space seedlings to encourage bushy plants and good air flow. Plants reach medium height and respond well to regular deadheading. Harden off gradually before planting out, and shelter young plants from unexpected cold snaps. In containers, ensure sharp drainage and don’t overpot.
- Sow under cover and plant out after last frost; or direct sow after last frost. In mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible for an earlier display.
- Full sun; well-drained, moderately fertile soil.
- Space plants to allow bushy growth and good air flow; avoid crowding.
- Suitable for containers; use a free-draining mix and monitor moisture.
- Attractive to bees and other pollinators.
- Grown for colourful bracts and seasonal ornamental interest.
How do I grow Salvia viridis from seed?
Sow seeds in trays or modules filled with a free-draining seed mix, barely covering them with fine compost or vermiculite. Keep evenly moist and provide bright light to prevent legginess. Germination is typically quick in mild warmth. Pot on gently and grow on in cool, bright conditions, then harden off and plant out after the last frost. You can also direct sow where they are to flower once the soil is workable and has warmed, thinning seedlings to allow bushy growth. Pinching the tips of young plants encourages branching and more flowering spikes; avoid heavy feeding.
When should I sow painted sage seeds?
Sow under cover before the last frost so transplants are ready to go out once frosts have passed, or direct sow outdoors after the last frost when the soil is warm and workable. In mild climates, autumn sowing is possible for an earlier display the following season; provide excellent drainage and some protection from prolonged cold and wet. For the longest show, make small successional sowings at intervals within your suitable window, and avoid sowing too early if light levels are low, as this can lead to weak, stretched seedlings.
What are the growing conditions for Salvia viridis (soil and sun)?
Grow in full sun for the strongest colour and most compact habit. The soil should be well-drained and moderately fertile; overly rich soils can encourage lush, floppy growth at the expense of bracts. On heavier ground, improve drainage with grit and organic matter, and avoid planting in spots that stay wet. Water to establish, then allow the top of the soil to dry slightly between waterings; once established, plants tolerate drier spells but flower best with steady moisture. A light, balanced feed is sufficient only on very poor soils, and good air flow helps keep foliage healthy.
How should I space Salvia viridis for borders, and can I grow it in containers?
In borders, give each plant enough room on all sides for a naturally bushy shape and good air flow; avoid crowding with more vigorous neighbours. As a medium-height annual, it suits the front to middle of sunny beds and blends well with other sun-loving, drought-tolerant annuals and airy grasses. For containers, choose pots with ample drainage and use a gritty, free-draining mix. Water thoroughly, then let the top layer dry before watering again. Pinch once to promote branching, rotate containers so all sides receive sun, and avoid overpotting or heavy feeding, which can reduce floral display.
Is Salvia viridis good for cut flowers, and how should I deadhead it?
Yes, the colourful bracts make excellent cut material, both fresh and dried. Harvest stems when the bracts are fully coloured and firm; condition in clean water or hang bunches upside down in a ventilated place to dry. To deadhead, remove spent spikes back to a lower pair of leaves or to a fresh side shoot. Regular deadheading tidies plants and encourages new flowering stems for a longer season. If you would like some self-seeding, leave a few spikes to mature and set seed; otherwise, remove them before seeds disperse.
Does painted sage attract bees, and what does Salvia viridis vs Salvia horminum mean?
Painted sage is attractive to pollinators; bees and other beneficial insects visit the small true flowers that open within the showy bracts, especially in sunny, sheltered spots. Regarding the name, Salvia viridis and Salvia horminum have long been used for the same plant commonly called painted sage or annual clary. Many modern references treat Salvia viridis as the accepted name and S. horminum as a synonym, with cultivar names reflecting bract colours rather than different species.
This guidance is compiled from horticultural references and supplier data and is intended as general growing information. Actual performance varies with microclimate, soil structure, drainage, and exposure. The individual product pages provide the most precise directions—covering sowing windows (such as after last frost or when soil is workable), spacing, and handling notes—and include relevant compliance details supplied by the producer.
Insights on cultivating annual clary
Annual clary (Salvia viridis) offers long-lasting colour from bracts that intensify in bright light and well-drained soils. Sow directly when the soil is workable after the last frost; in mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible. For an earlier start, sow indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost, covering seeds very lightly and keeping the medium evenly moist. Transplant once roots hold the plug and outdoor conditions are settled. Full sun encourages compact growth; spacing of roughly 25–30 cm helps airflow. Avoid heavy feeding, as overly rich soil can reduce bract intensity and encourage lanky stems. Pinching young plants promotes branching, and removing spent bracts can prolong the display. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the topsoil to dry between waterings. Plants may self-sow modestly in suitable sites. For cut and dried arrangements, harvest when bracts are fully coloured. Seed longevity improves with cool, dry storage away from direct light. For range overviews and product specifications, refer to SeedsChoice.
€4,95
