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Salvia 'Fairy Queen'
Seed Packet

Salvia 'Fairy Queen'

Salvia farinacea
Mealycup sage is a mainstay of the summer garden, as it always looks fresh and perfectly presentable even in the most sultry of conditions. Native to Texas, the common name refers to the silvery felted calyces. This award winner has blue and white spikes of bloom that attract butterflies.
SKU #S1073
$4.00
Currently Unavailable
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Details
Approximate Seeds Per Packet
111
Lifecycle
Annual; tender perennial
Perennial Hardiness Zone
8,
9,
10
Annual Hardiness
Half Hardy Annual
Mature Size
1.5' h x 1' w
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Soil
Regular, moist, well-drained
Season
Summer to fall
Color
Blue and white
Features
Great for containers
Great Cut Flower
Deer Resistant
Heat or Drought Tolerant
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Bees
Notable
Fleuroselect Gold Medal Winner
SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
Surface to 1/16"; requires light
Sprout Time:
10-14 days
Seed To Bloom:
12-14 weeks
Starting Indoors:
Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before setting out after frost. Use a sterile seed starting mix and cover lightly with vermiculite to retain humidity. Water from the bottom by placing in a tray so that the water is soaked up instead of wetting the foliage to prevent damping off. Keep at about 65-75°F until all have germinated then grow on at 55°F.
Starting Outdoors:
Direct sow in zones 7+ after last frost.
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
After last frost.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Mealy-cup sage is native to Texas and Mexico, where it is perennial. In northern gardens it is a reliably vigorous grower that comes into its own midsummer when it is full of upright flower wands of beaded florets that look as if covered in shorn velvet. It attracts butterflies and tolerates heat and drought. Site in cottage gardens, mixed borders and large containers. Pinch back once plants reach 6" tall to encourage bushiness, and deadhead for neatness and continued bloom. Wonderful cut for bouquets.
Final Spacing:
1'
Water Requirements:
Medium Water Use
Watering Details:
About 1" per week, though it will tolerate some drought.
Soil pH:
Not particular about pH
Fertilizer:
Prior to planting, mix in about 2" of compost. A midseason application of organic fertilizer is beneficial for continued bloom all season.
Diseases & Pests:
Prevent powdery mildew by spacing plants apart for increased air circulation. Aphids can be washed off leaves with a strong stream of water or insecticidal soap applications.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Cut when about 1/2 of florets are open.