Fiery red spikes attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. A southern native wildflower that can take on hot, dry summers with grace. Flowers continuously from mid-summer into fall. Dramatic plants grow 24-36 inches tall, covered with flashy scarlet blossoms. Blooms first year from seed for us northerners. A perennial in zone 9-10. Naturalizes in most areas.

100 seeds

PLANTING

Salvia coccinea

Tender Perennial Zones 9-10

Germination:7-21 days

Germination Temperature:Optimum soil temperatures 65-75F.

Seed Planting Depth:1/16″ deep

Starting Indoors:Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Provide 65-75F soil temperatures. Transplant after the last frost,12-18″ apart.

Sowing Outdoors:Direct sow after last frost, only in areas with a long growing season. Sow a few seeds 3-6″ apart, thinning out to 12-18″ apart.When thinning out trytransplanting theseedlings into other places in the garden.Water seedlings regularly until established.

Growth Habit:Upright vase shape

Height and Width:24-36″ x 18-24″

Spacing:12-18″ apart

Light Needs:Full sun

Soil Needs:Average, well-drained

Approximate days to flower from seed:120days

Uses:Cut flowers, flower beds, wildflower and cottage gardens, attracts butterflies andhummingbirds.

Care:Water seedlings regularly until established.Deadheading prolongs flowering. Pinch back early on to keep plants more compact if desired. Self-seeds in warmer climates.