Bright Purple Salvia splendens, commonly known as Scarlet Sage, is a vivid, long-blooming annual prized for its dense purple flower spikes and easy-care performance. This colorful, non-GMO variety thrives in sunny beds, containers, and landscape borders, offering continuous color from late spring to frost. Its upright form, bold color, and pollinator appeal make Bright Purple Salvia a top choice for vibrant, low-maintenance planting designs.

Features

• Brilliant deep purple flower spikes
• Non-GMO Salvia splendens variety
• Long-blooming annual from late spring through frost
• Excellent for garden beds, mass plantings, and containers
• Attracts bees and beneficial pollinators
• Upright compact habit for neat borders and mixed displays
• Heat-tolerant and easy to grow for beginners

Specifications

• Common Name: Bright Purple Scarlet Sage, Purple Salvia
• Scientific Name: Salvia splendens
• Plant Type: Annual
• USDA Zones: 3–11 (as annual)
• Season: Late spring to frost
• Height: 12–24 inches
• Bloom Color: Bright purple
• Foliage: Bright green, ovate leaves
• Heirloom: Yes
• GMO Status: Non-GMO
• Organic: Not certified organic
• Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Preference: Well-drained, fertile garden soil
• Water Needs: Moderate; avoid soggy soil
• Growth Rate: Fast
• Heat Tolerance: Excellent
• Cold Tolerance: Low (killed by frost)
• Plant Spacing: 10–14 inches
• Seed Longevity: 2–3 years stored cool and dry

Planting Guide 

• Sowing Method: Start indoors or direct sow after frost.
• Seed Preparation: Press seeds lightly onto soil; do not cover deeply.
• When to Plant:
• Indoors: 6–8 weeks before last frost
• Outdoors: After frost when soil is warm
• Sowing Depth: 1/8 inch; cover very lightly or surface press.
• Germination Time: 12–21 days in warm conditions.
• Light Requirements: Full sun for brightest blooming.
• Soil Conditions: Well-drained garden soil; avoid standing water.
• Watering: Keep evenly moist while establishing; water moderately once mature.
• Maintenance:
• Remove spent blooms for continuous flowering
• Do not allow soil to become waterlogged
• Ideal for repeated mass plantings or edging