Salvia verticillata, 'Purple Fairy Tale'

Germination

Sow indoors approx. 8-10 weeks before last frosts are due. Sow onto moist well-drained seed compost. Cover with only a sprinkling of soil as light is needed for germination. Watch out for damping off. Ideal temp. 18-24°C. If temp. is not maintained germination can be erratic. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to 8cm pots. Increase pot size as the plant grows. Acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has passed with 15-30cm spacing.

Growing

Will tolerate any soil type. Prefers full sun, plants in the shade will become leggy. Pinch out growing tip when plant is 15cm tall to encourage bushy growth. Keep well watered until established. Fertilise monthly if desired.

Cultivation

Remove faded flower spikes to prolong flowering. Deadhead if you do not want it to self-seed. If you wish to collect seed allow the spherical heads to become dry and brown before cutting. Do not remove old stems until new growth appears in spring. Best time to divide perennial Salvias is in early spring prior to new growth emerging.