Red salvias are stunning plants that brighten any garden with vibrant flowers. They are easy to grow in pots if you provide them with fertile soil, water, and bright sunlight.
In this article, you will learn how to care for red salvias in pots and enjoy their vibrant color in the late and hotter summer months.
You will also discover some of the salvia varieties and how to choose the best one for your space.
How To Grow Red Salvias In Pots In 3 Simple Steps
“Can you grow salvias in pots?” significantly depends on the plant care process you apply to your pots. It is not different from other potted plants like avocados or evergreen trees.
I will suggest the steps for growing salvias, including providing the watering schedule and selecting the proper soil type. In particular:
Step 1 – Select Containers
One of the most important factors to consider when growing red salvias in pots is the type of container you choose.
It would help if you considered buying a terra-cotta pot with drainage holes at the bottom. This will allow the excess water to drain out and prevent root rot.
You should not buy plastic or synthetic pots that retain heat and water, which can cause the soil to overheat and become soggy.
You should choose a pot that is large enough to accommodate the root system but not too large that it will take up too much space or soil.
A good guideline is to choose a pot about half as tall as potted Salvia or slightly more.
Step 2 – Select Kinds Of Compost
Red salvias are eye-catching plants that add color to any container garden. Red salvias prefer well-drained, moderately fertile soil that does not retain too much moisture.
You can use one of the following composts to grow red salvias in pots. Including:
- John Innes No. 3 and horticultural grit ( a rate of 3/1): This compost provides a good balance of nutrients and drainage for red salvias.
- Loose soil with grit, sand, and organic compost: It mimics the natural habitat of red salvias and offers excellent drainage and aeration.
Step 3 – Put Red Salvias In Containers
Salvias are compact plants that need regular repotting to stay healthy and happy. They will become rootbound if you keep them in their original containers for too long.
This will stress the plant and make it weak and prone to diseases. To avoid this, you should exchange containers every year or two, depending on how fast they grow.
When you repot your salvias, choose a pot two sizes larger than the current one. Water your salvias lightly before you take them out of their old pots.
Then, dig a hole in the new pot slightly deeper and wider than the old one. This will make it easier to transplant your salvias without damaging their roots or stems.
Which Essential Concerns About Red Salvias Care Should You Note?
Suppose you want fresh growth for red salvias; you not only consider how to plant Salvia in pots.
In that case, you always monitor other factors such as regular watering, how to sage in containers, wet conditions, and balanced fertilizer.
Kinds Of Soil
Salvias are stunning plants that thrive in moderately fertile soil with some organic matter. However, they cannot tolerate soggy conditions, so make sure your soil drains well to avoid root rot.
When you care about how often to water salvias in pots, you also notice that their drought tolerant ability is also limited.
Therefore, preparing well-drained soil PH or enough moist soil will be a good solution.
Red salvias prefer loose soil with grit, sand, and organic compost. This soil type allows the water to drain quickly and prevents the roots from rotting.
A balanced loam with equal sand, silt, and clay is ideal for them.
Amount Of Water
Watering your plants is an important task that requires careful planning and attention. You don’t want to overwater or underwater your plants, as both can harm their health and growth.
A good rule of thumb from garden centers is to water every seven to ten days, depending on the weather and the soil conditions. This will keep your plants hydrated and happy.
Always check the soil before watering by feeling the first inch or two. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. Once you let your salvias under many extreme hours of sun, your plant will die.
Control Of Humidity And Temperature
Red Salvia is sensitive to cold and the threat of frost, so you should protect it from temperatures below 32 degrees F.
You can grow it in a pot or on the ground if the soil temperature is consistent and not too hot or cold. One useful tip is to try to grow salvias under a grow light to absorb sunlight better.
Red Salvia will reward you with bright red flower colors that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
If you live in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 – 11, you can enjoy this plant all year round. You can grow it annually in cooler areas and replant it every spring.
Kinds Of Fertilizer For Each Stage
Red salvias are dazzling flowers that need proper fertilization to bloom profusely. Here are some tips for feeding them at each stage:
- Mix some compost or a balanced fertilizer into the soil for the planting stage to enrich it with nutrients and organic matter.
- In spring, apply a 1-inch layer of aged compost and mulch to maintain soil moisture and provide slow-release feeding.
- During the growing season, diluted liquid fertilizer every two to four weeks to boost flower production and plant health.
- Stop fertilizing in the fall and let the plants dormant for the winter.
Which Popular Diseases Can You Encounter When Growing Salvias In Pots?
Slugs, snails, and whiteflies are common pests that can damage the leaves and flowers of red Salvia.
To prevent bringing home any whitefly-infested plants from the garden center, carefully check the green leaves’ undersides before buying.
Whiteflies are hard to spot but can spread quickly from the greenhouse to your garden.
If you notice any white on your red Salvia, immediately eliminate them. The easiest way is to spray them off with a strong water jet from your hose.
If that doesn’t work, use a mild insecticidal soap like neem oil. Make sure to apply the treatment regularly until the whitefly is gone.
How Tall Can Salvias Grow In Pots?
Salvias come in different types, sizes, and colors, so you can choose the ones that suit your taste and space. But how tall can salvias grow in pots? Well, that depends on the variety and the pot size.
Generally, salvias can grow from 30 cm to 2 m tall, but they will be smaller in pots than in the ground.
The smaller the pot, the less room for the roots to spread and the less water and nutrients available.
Therefore, if you want your salvias to grow taller, you should choose a larger pot with good drainage and well-drained soil.
FAQs
What Are Outstanding Characteristics Of Red Salvias?
Red salvias are stunning flowers with vibrant red, tube-shaped petals, and deep green, heart-shaped leaves. They are drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and long-blooming.
They attract pollinators and add color and energy to any garden or landscape.
Are There Any Other Kinds Of Salvias?
The answer is “Yes.” They have flowers of various colors, such as blue, purple, white, yellow, pink, and green. Some salvias are annuals, while others are perennials or shrubs.
Which Are The Benefits Of Plant Salvias In Pots?
Planting salvias in pots has many benefits. You can enjoy their colorful flowers and aromatic foliage in any space, indoors or outdoors.
You can also control the soil and moisture levels and move them around as needed.
Conclusion
You have got useful tips about growing red salvias in pots.
You should follow the proper amount of extra watering and let your salvias under sunlight daily to ensure the constant development of annual salvias.
Remember to always take special care of your salvias in any situation.
