The beauty of salvia, which can often be found in flower beds and flower beds , is the representative of the family of the clearing. A characteristic feature of this perennial is the tetrahedral stems and bilabiate tubular flowers, which are formed on the tips of the shoots. Perennial salvia is good because its flowering pleases the eye from June to the first night frosts. Inflorescences can be painted in all shades of red, pink, purple and white. In height, the plant can reach from 25 to 80 centimeters. After the flowering cycle, small boxes are formed on the tops of the stems, in which small seeds ripen. It is known about nine hundred kinds of salvia, but on the flowerbeds they mainly grow a kind of "Sage shining". By the way, species that grow in the wild, called sage, and cultivated - salvia. Salvia grows around the world, except for Australia. The plant prefers sunny areas, small forest glades, wastelands, slopes and meadows.
Despite belonging to perennials, gardeners practice the cultivation of salvia as an annual. How and when to sow salvia to grow strong seedlings for planting on the site? This will be discussed in this article.
Rules for growing seedlings
So, let's start with when sowing salvia for seedlings, if you plan to grow flowers from seeds. Taking into account the fact that only 75-80 days after sowing, the salvia is able to give the first flowers, it is necessary to take care of planting seeds no later than the end of February.
You can grow salvia seedlings in a large box, as well as in peat cups. First, a thin layer of expanded clay is laid on the bottom of the container, and the top is covered with a light soil mixture, not reaching to the top of the rims 2-3 cm. Then the soil is well moistened and left overnight, covered with a film or glass. And where, in fact, the seeds, you ask. They will only be needed the next day. The seeds of this plant are very small, so gardeners recommend mixing them with ordinary sand. This manipulation will simplify the sowing and ensure an even distribution of the seed material over the soil surface. No depressions and holes are needed. Just gently sow the seeds on the surface, and then cover them with a 1-2 mm layer of substrate. It remains to sprinkle them with water and cover with glass. At temperatures from +20 to +25 degrees, optimum humidity and in a well-lit place, the seedlings will feel wonderful. Avoid excessive watering! Excess moisture - a threat of damage to plants with a black leg.
When the second sheet appears, you can safely dive the seedlings in separate containers. Use the same soil. After the appearance of the third pair of leaves, it is necessary to pinch. This will ensure the density of green mass.
Transplant to open ground
As you can see, planting seeds and caring for salvia seedlings is
Growing salvia and further care for perennials is the timely weeding of the flowerbed from weeds , regular moderate watering and periodic fertilizing with mineral fertilizers.
Having planted salvia on your site, you will not regret it. This plant looks great both as a solitary and as a group composition.