Salvia

The genus Salvia (Salvia) includes more than 700 species, which are divided into annual, perennial herbaceous and semi-shrubby (on the lignified lower part shoots are formed) plants. Annual herbaceous species are used to decorate flower beds, and perennial ones are used in borders. Semi-shrubby species, mostly relatively stable, are grown as perennials only in the south. Similar to orchid flowers, salvia flowers are collected in an inflorescence brush; stems with a square cross-section. The most common species is Salvia splendens, which is a perennial but cultivated as an annual plant. The variety 'Carabinere', bred in Italy, blooms from May to October (scarlet color of flowers 5 cm long with bright bracts). True, salvia flowers of this variety come in other colors and a different appearance.

The genus Salvia (Salvia) includes more than 700 species, which are divided into annual, perennial herbaceous and semi-shrubby (on the lignified lower part shoots are formed) plants. Annual herbaceous species are used to decorate flower beds, and perennial ones are used in borders. Semi-shrubby species, mostly relatively stable, are grown as perennials only in the south. Similar to orchid flowers, salvia flowers are collected in an inflorescence brush; stems with a square cross-section.

The most common species is Salvia splendens, which is a perennial but cultivated as an annual plant. The variety 'Carabinere', bred in Italy, blooms from May to October (scarlet color of flowers 5 cm long with bright bracts). True, salvia flowers of this variety come in other colors and a different appearance.

Cultivation

More stable annual herbaceous species should be planted on a permanent planting site in May, pinching the tops of young plants for better tillering when they reach 5-8 cm in height. Resistant and semi-resistant perennial herbaceous species are planted in the garden either in October or in March. In late autumn, cut the aboveground part of the plant to the root neck. Perennial semi-shrub plants are planted in May. They can be grown outdoors only in mild climates, but even in this case, do not forget that on the eve of cold weather, it is necessary to mulch the soil: cover the soil around the plant with straw or peat. These species can be grown in containers with a diameter of 15-20 cm and kept outdoors from May to the end of September. In winter, they are placed in a frost-proof place. In colder climates, annual semi-shrub species are grown in 15-20-cm pots, removing them in winter in a protected and bright place where the temperature is maintained at least 5 °C. In late spring, potted plants are pruned, leaving shoots of 10 cm.

More stable annual herbaceous species should be planted on a permanent planting site in May, pinching the tops of young plants for better tillering when they reach 5-8 cm in height.

Resistant and semi-resistant perennial herbaceous species are planted in the garden either in October or in March. In late autumn, cut the aboveground part of the plant to the root neck. Perennial semi-shrub plants are planted in May. They can be grown outdoors only in mild climates, but even in this case, do not forget that on the eve of cold weather, it is necessary to mulch the soil: cover the soil around the plant with straw or peat. These species can be grown in containers with a diameter of 15-20 cm and kept outdoors from May to the end of September. In winter, they are placed in a frost-proof place. In colder climates, annual semi-shrub species are grown in 15-20-cm pots, removing them in winter in a protected and bright place where the temperature is maintained at least 5 °C.

In late spring, potted plants are pruned, leaving shoots of 10 cm.

Location

Various salvia species are thermophilic and light-loving, and grow well in the sun.

Temperature

Plants can tolerate temperature fluctuations from 5-7 °C to 25-30 °C. The optimal air temperature for it is 15-20 °C.

Watering

Salvia species generally tolerate dry periods well, but develop better with regular watering. In hot months, water abundantly and reduce watering when it gets colder.

Transplant

In spring, the potted plant can be transplanted into a new container larger than the previous one.

Reproduction

Annual species, both semi-shrubby and herbaceous, are sown in February-March in a light soil, which is a mixture of sand and peat in equal parts, at a temperature of 18 °C. Then the seedlings are dived into pots and placed in a mini-greenhouse or other protected place. In the ground planted with the onset of heat. Perennial species are propagated in the period from September to March by dividing the bush, although more often they are propagated by seeds. Semi-shrub species are also propagated by cuttings. In spring, take side shoots without flowers 7-8 cm long, plant in a mixture of sand and peat at a temperature of 13-16 °C. After the roots appear, the cuttings are transplanted to a new pot or to a permanent place in May of the following year.

Annual species, both semi-shrubby and herbaceous, are sown in February-March in a light soil, which is a mixture of sand and peat in equal parts, at a temperature of 18 °C. Then the seedlings are dived into pots and placed in a mini-greenhouse or other protected place.

In the ground planted with the onset of heat. Perennial species are propagated in the period from September to March by dividing the bush, although more often they are propagated by seeds. Semi-shrub species are also propagated by cuttings. In spring, take side shoots without flowers 7-8 cm long, plant in a mixture of sand and peat at a temperature of 13-16 °C. After the roots appear, the cuttings are transplanted to a new pot or to a permanent place in May of the following year.

Diseases

Shiny salvia is affected by mites, as a result of which brownish - yellow spots appear all over the leaf plate. Pests are eliminated by treating the affected specimens with acaricides. Aphids and thrips cause twisting of leaves and deformation of stems; snails eat young leaves.

Acquisition

Plants are purchased in the spring in horticultural centers and specialized nurseries, and seeds can be purchased at any time of the year, including written out by mail. Varieties and varieties are selected depending on the purpose.