Salvia - Blue Bedder (Salvia farinacea ‘Blue Bedder’) Non-GMO - Organically Grown - Flower

Salvia - Blue Bedder (Salvia farinacea ‘Blue Bedder’) Non-GMO - Organically Grown - Flower

Annual

Salvia farinacea ‘Blue Bedder’ is a beautiful, easy-to-grow annual known for its dense spikes of deep lavender-blue flowers and silvery-green foliage. Blooming from early summer until frost, this variety is a magnet for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Growing up to 18–24 inches tall, ‘Blue Bedder’ is ideal for flower beds, borders, containers, and especially cutting gardens due to its long-lasting blooms and upright growth habit. Its vivid color and compact form make it a favorite for adding structure and contrast to garden designs.

Growing Instructions:

1. Light: Prefers full sun. Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering and strong stems.

2. Soil: Thrives in well-drained soil with moderate fertility. It tolerates poor soil, but benefits from added compost for improved texture and nutrition.

3. Watering: Water regularly to establish young plants, but avoid soggy soil. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant and prefers the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

4. Spacing: Space plants 10–12 inches apart to allow air circulation and room for mature growth.

5. Fertilization: Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer once or twice during the growing season. Too much fertilizer may promote leaf growth at the expense of flowers.

6. Deadheading: Remove faded flower spikes to encourage continued blooming and maintain a tidy appearance.

7. Support: Not usually required, but in very fertile soil or windy areas, staking may help keep tall plants upright.

Stratification and Germination:

• Stratification: No cold stratification is needed for Salvia farinacea.

• Pre-treatment: Soaking the seeds in warm water for a few hours before sowing can help improve germination rates, though it is optional.

• Sowing: Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost or sow directly after the danger of frost has passed. Sow seeds on the surface of the soil and lightly press in—do not cover them, as they need light to germinate.

• Germination Temperature: Ideal soil temperature is 70–75°F (21–24°C).

• Germination Time: Seeds typically germinate in 10–14 days.

Additional Tips:

• ‘Blue Bedder’ Salvia makes an excellent cut flower and performs well in containers.

• It is deer-resistant and thrives in hot, sunny locations.

• Once flowering begins, it continues with minimal care, making it perfect for low-maintenance gardens.

Salvia farinacea ‘Blue Bedder’ offers season-long color, ease of growth, and pollinator appeal, making it a versatile and reliable choice for gardeners of all experience levels.

Seed count: 25