Salvia farinacea Victoria Blue

Description

A popular bedding plant for borders and containers alike, Salvia farinacea ‘Victoria’ is a tender perennial usually grown as an annual. Dense spikes of vivid purple-blue flowers are produced over a long period from the beginning of summer right through to the first frosts, on matching purple-blue stems for a truly striking effect. The flower spikes are loved by pollinators and are excellent for cutting. Low-maintenance and easy to grow, this Fleuroselect Bronze Medal Winner creates long-lasting impact that will reward you over and over. Height: 45cm (18in). Spread: 30cm (12in).

Sowing

Sow in February/March on the surface of a good seed compost. Make sure that the compost is moist but not wet and seal in a polythene bag until after germination which usually takes 2-3 weeks at 18-25C (65-75F). Do not exclude light which is beneficial to germination.

Transplant when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots and grow on in cooler conditions. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 30cm (12in) apart in a sunny spot in ordinary garden soil.