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.

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