Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Thursday - November 04, 2010

From: San Antonio, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Propagation
Title: Growing Big Red Sage from Seed in San Antonio
Answered by: Mike Tomme

QUESTION:

I harvested some seed this year from my Big Red Salvia (Salvia penstemonoides). I have searched multiple sites looking for information on growing this wonderful salvia but cannot locate any information on seed preparation (if required) and best time to sow the seeds. Can you answer this question for me please?

ANSWER:

Salvia penstemonoides (Big red sage), aka big red Salvia is grown easily from seed or it can be propagated by root division or from cuttings. No special seed preparation is necessary. Fall is the best time to plant for spring blooms.

If you want to get your plants started in seed starting containers, here is a link that tells you how to do that: How to germinate salvia seeds. Also, here is a link with some general advice about growing SalviaGrowing Salvia.

Finally, here is a link to a previous Mr. Smarty Plants answer about growing big red sage.

Get ready for the hummingbirds, they're going to love it around your place.


Salvia penstemonoides


Salvia penstemonoides

 

 

More Propagation Questions

Wildflower garden with Castilleja indivisa (Indian paintbrush)
January 08, 2013 - I want to start a wildflower garden in my front/backyard. Specifically, I would like to include the indian paintbrush. What is the best way to go about this? Straight in the ground, containers, etc...
view the full question and answer

How to propagate Clematis texensis in Austin, TX?
May 14, 2012 - How do I propagate a Clematis texensis Buckl. Scarlet leatherflower from the seed pod?
view the full question and answer

Getting rid of rain lilies in Aledo, TX
August 24, 2008 - How do I get rain lilies to stop growing in my yard?
view the full question and answer

Tx Mt. Laurel and Mex. Buckeye seed propagation in drought
July 01, 2011 - I live in the Hill Country near New Braunfels. Since I am only at my house in July and August, I would like to plant both Texas Mountain Laurel and Mexican Buckeye from the seeds harvested from mothe...
view the full question and answer

Harvesting bittersweet from Ames IA
November 06, 2010 - How do I harvest my bittersweet?
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.