Sage, Scarlet (pack)

Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea) is an open-pollinated annual that produces bright red, aromatic-leaved flower spikes irresistible to hummingbirds and butterflies. A tender perennial native to Texas, it is grown as an annual in colder zones and blooms summer to fall. A single pack covers about 10 square feet if broadcast.

At a glance

• Variety: Scarlet Sage, Salvia coccinea
• Type: Open-pollinated annual (tender perennial in zones 8 to 10)
• USDA zone: 8 to 10
• Sun: Partial sun
• Planting depth: 1/16 inch
• Days to germinate: 10 to 30 days
• Height at maturity: 1 to 3 feet
• Approx. seeds per pack: 1,729 (covers about 10 sq ft)

Best for

• Hummingbird and butterfly gardens
• Pollinator borders and beds
• Adding long-blooming red color summer to fall
• Naturalizing in gravelly, well-drained soil
• Containers and cottage-garden plantings

How to grow

For best results, sow indoors about 6 weeks before last frost, covering seed lightly with vermiculite. After frost danger passes, transplant into a cleared area and keep moist for 6 weeks until established. To direct sow, scatter seed lightly on the surface in late spring and keep moist during germination. Give plants partial sun and moderate water.

About Grow Organic

Grow Organic supplies non-GMO seeds, tools, and natural growing products for home gardeners and small farms.

Sold by Grow Organic, based in Grass Valley, California.