Also known as Sage · 6.9k saves
Salvia
Salvia, the genus most gardeners know as sage. We track 176 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Salvia varieties
See all 176 Salvia varieties →Search this genus →
32 species of Salvia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Salvia in Sow
Save the Salvia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Salvia
Whats common across all Salvia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them.
The Salvia year
- DeadheadMay–August75% of varieties
Remove spent flower spikes to encourage continuous flowering
- PruneFebruary73% of varieties
Cut back old woody stems in late winter; shear back by 1/3 after first bloom for rebloom
- DivideMarch and September55% of varieties
Divide large, crowded clumps every 3-5 years in spring or fall
- Spring CleanupFebruary48% of varieties
Cut back old woody stems to the ground before new growth starts
- FertilizeMarch38% of varieties
Apply balanced fertilizer as new growth appears in spring
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
- Use well-draining soil to prevent root rot
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t prune in late fall or winter
- Overwater in winter ❌
- Allow soil to become waterlogged ❌
What goes wrong with Salvia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and yellowing leaves | Increase humidity and apply miticide |
| Whiteflies | Small white insects flying around and yellowing leaves | Use insecticidal soap or introduce natural predators like ladybugs |
| Root rot | Wilting and brown roots | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
Making more Salvia
Cuttings
- Take 4-inch cuttings in late spring.
- Dip in rooting hormone and plant in moist soil.
- Keep in indirect sunlight for 6 weeks until rooted.
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist for 2-3 weeks until germination.
Salvia questions
How many types of Salvia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 176 distinct Salvia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 6.9k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Salvia grow in?
Across its varieties, Salvia covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Salvia bloom?
Most Salvia varieties bloom in late spring to early summer, late spring, summer, early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Salvia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.