Q&A with Jessie Carle

What’s the best time to start a salvia crop?

Salvia is offered as a 72-count plug and as a bareroot. We recommend planting a 72-count plug in the late summer to bulk for sales the following spring. This allows the plant to form a sturdy base and vigorous flower display. A pinch is recommended around one or two weeks after planting to help encourage branching. Though vernalization is not required, we do find 8-10 weeks of vernalization has a positive impact on flower performance. Bareroot can be planted late winter to early spring. For both the plug and bare root, it’s important that the crown is even with the soil. During times when light is scarce the plant’s habit can be nicely controlled using an occasional PGR. Frequency depends on light levels, temperature, and product you are using. We have found success using Uniconazole (Sumagic) 2-3 times during the growing period starting at 5-10 ppm shows great results. We have also found 2500ppm of Daminozide (B-Nine of Dazide) 2-3 times at weekly intervals to be effective in controlling height. When light levels are high, I find PGRs to be less necessary.

What growing conditions do salvia prefer in containers and in the garden?

All the salvia offered by Walters Gardens grow well in zone 3-8. These plants love to be planted in full sun (>6 hrs. direct sun) and will reward you with amazing flower displays. Salvia are drought tolerant so they will do just fine in areas of your garden that don’t get a lot of water. For the best flower performance, they benefit if frequently watered. In a container the plants are most successful when watered frequently, allowing the plant to dry down between waterings. Both in the landscape and in a container, these plants can benefit from getting sheered back and or deadheading. Doing so will encourage rebloom throughout the season.

What pests or diseases can impact a salvia crop, and what are the best ways to avoid them?

Salvia can be quite susceptible to pests, so pay attention. The three we have seen the most this past year in our greenhouse were thrips, spider mites, and slugs. We effectively minimize these problems thanks to the beneficial insect programs we have in place. Other pests to be on the lookout for include aphids, whiteflies, and caterpillars.

The most common disease we encounter with salvia is crown rot. This can be seen right away and is due to the plant being planned to deep in the soil. This can be easily avoided by making sure your crown is level with the soil. We prevent crown rot and other root disease by doing soil drenching after planting. This usually includes fungicide, root shield, and occasionally systemic insecticide. This ensures the plant is off to a good start. Foliar diseases can be avoided by ensuring the plant has good air flow and is in full sun. Making sure the leaves are not wet for extended periods of time will help decrease the chances of catching and spreading these diseases.

There are lot of different salvia out there, what are the different types and how can they be used differently in the garden?

My absolute favorite salvia is ‘Pink Profusion’ from the Profusion series. Both the Profusion Series (16-18 inches tall by 16-20 inches wide) and the Bumble Series (14-16 inches tall by 14-18 inches wide) are nemorosa hybrids. These cute compact plants are full of color!

If you need a showstopper, look no further than the Living Large™ Collection. This massive salvia sits at 28-32 inches tall and wide. You do want to make sure to give it plenty of room. This Salvia blooms later than average to help bring beautiful color all season long.

What are your favorite things about Salvia?

Salvia is such a simple plant to grow. It’s hard not to be drawn to their vibrant colors. As a grower my favorite thing about this plant is how easy it is. With just a little care it is a show stopping plant every single time. I especially enjoy how impervious it is to changes in market timing. If the weather does not cooperate, it is very easy to prolong this plant and keep it looking good. A simple dead head will allow it to flush back out in 1-2 weeks depending on your climate. You can also take the flower stalks down to the base of the plant and in 4-6 weeks have a perfect plant all over again. This is great for when orders change or cancel.

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