Red Salvia Splendens, also known as St. John’s Fire or Scarlet Sage, is a striking annual known for its blazing red flower spikes and extended blooming season. This non-GMO variety delivers rich color in garden beds, borders, containers, and mass plantings, attracting hummingbirds and pollinators throughout the summer. Heat-tolerant and easy to grow, Red Salvia Splendens is a favorite among gardeners seeking bold color and reliable performance.
Features
- Produces vivid scarlet-red flower spikes
- Long-blooming annual for vibrant summer color
- Non-GMO seed variety
- Thrives in sunny garden beds, borders, and containers
- Excellent for pollinator and hummingbird gardens
- Heat-tolerant and low-maintenance
- Strong, upright growth habit
Specifications
- Common Name: Red Salvia, Scarlet Sage, St. John’s Fire
- Scientific Name: Salvia splendens
- Plant Type: Annual
- USDA Zones: 3–11 (grown as annual everywhere)
- Season: Summer to fall blooms
- Height: 12–36 inches (variety dependent)
- Bloom Color: Scarlet red
- Foliage: Bright green, broad leaves
- Heirloom: Yes
- GMO Status: Non-GMO
- Organic: Not certified organic
- Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Preference: Well-drained, average garden soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Heat Tolerance: High
- Cold Tolerance: Low
- Plant Spacing: 10–12 inches
- Seed Longevity: 1–3 years stored in cool, dry conditions
Planting Guide
- Sowing Method: Start indoors for best results; direct sow in warm climates.
- Seed Preparation: Surface sow; seeds require light for germination.
- When to Plant:
- Indoors: 6–8 weeks before last frost
- Outdoors: After frost danger has passed
- Sowing Depth: Do not cover; press lightly onto soil.
- Germination Time: 10–20 days.
- Light Requirements: Full sun or light shade.
- Soil Conditions: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil.
- Watering: Keep evenly moist during germination; moderate water once established.
- Maintenance:
- Remove spent blooms to encourage more flowers
- Provide spacing for airflow
- Ideal for borders, beds, and mass plantings
