Growing Vibrant Black and Blue Salvias in Pots

Black and blue salvias are absolutely stunning plants that can add a major pop of unique color to any outdoor space. With their deep purple stems and electric cobalt blue blooms, these salvias provide vibrant contrast that steals the show in gardens and patio containers. While they are hardy perennials in warmer climates, black and blue salvias can also thrive when grown as annuals in pots and planters, allowing anyone to enjoy their vibrant beauty. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about choosing, planting, and caring for black and blue salvias in pots to keep them looking their best all season long.

Selecting Black and Blue Salvia Plants or Seeds

Black and blue salvia’s botanical name is Salvia guaranitica, which encompasses a few popular varieties like ‘Black and Blue”Argentine Skies’ and ‘Blue Enigma’. When choosing plants, look for those labeled as a Salvia guaranitica cultivar for the classic bicolored blooms. The plants will have dark purplish-black stems and leaves in a range of green hues from bright lime to deep emerald.

If buying seeds, make sure to start them indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date. Seeds can be tricky to germinate and slow to grow, so purchasing starter plants from your local nursery is usually the easiest route for successful container grown salvias. Select plants that are young but well established, around 6 inches tall with healthy foliage and no signs of pests or disease.

Ideal Pot Size and Site Selection

For the best growth and maximium number of blooms from black and blue salvia, use large pots or planters. The plants can grow up to 4 feet tall and wide when happy, so containers of at least 18-24 inches wide are recommended. Make sure the pot has several drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.

Site your salvia pots or planters in a spot that receives full sun for at least 6 hours per day, preferably morning sun with some afternoon shade. Black and blue salvias appreciate heat andconsistent moisture when grown in containers. Avoid excess hot afternoon sun that can dry out pots quickly.

Planting Black and Blue Salvias in Pots

When planting your black and blue salvia starter plants, first fill the pot about halfway with a rich, well-draining potting mix formulated for containers Gently remove the plant from its nursery pot, loosen the roots, and place it in the new container

Fill in around the plant with more potting soil, firming it gently around the roots and leaving about 1 inch below the rim. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom drainage holes after planting.

If growing salvias from seed, sow them just below the soil surface and keep the soil evenly moist until germination. Thin seedlings or transplant them to 9-12 inches apart once they reach 3-4 inches tall.

Ongoing Care of Container Grown Salvias

• Watering – Check soil moisture regularly, watering when the top few inches become dry. Avoid letting pots completely dry out or sit in saucers of water.

• Fertilizer – Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the active growing season. Slow release granular fertilizer can be mixed into the soil at planting time.

• Pruning – Prune back leggy growth and deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowering. Cut back any damaged foliage or stems.

• Overwintering – In cold climates, take cuttings in late summer or bring pots indoors before frost. Cut back and keep in a cool spot over winter for replanting next spring.

With the right care, black and blue salvias will grow vigorously and put on an impressive display of unique bicolor blooms throughout the season when grown in pots and containers. Their vibrant colors and long bloom time make them perfect for enlivening patios, front entries, or anywhere else you want eye-catching color in your garden or outdoor living space. Enjoy their striking beauty and watch the hummingbirds and butterflies flock to their nectar-rich flowers!