Native Plants
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.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
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 Salvia: Growing 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.
More Propagation Questions
Native bulbs for the northeastern U. S.
November 23, 2007 - What native bulbs could we plant in the Northeast? Can they only be planted in the fall as Dutch bulbs are?
view the full question and answer
Improving Bluebonnet seed contact with soil
November 06, 2015 - I have a five acre field in Blanco County, much of which is covered by bluebonnets. There are several species of native grasses as well. Would it be beneficial to disk or otherwise disturb the soil ...
view the full question and answer
Squirrels eating seed pods of Rock Rose in Austin
June 24, 2011 - Squirrel(s) have been ripping the branches off my rock rose bushes in order to eat the seed pods. Previously we had problems with squirrel(s) gnawing on our garden ornaments. I sprayed the ornaments ...
view the full question and answer
Propagation of hostas
September 06, 2005 - I have many different types of hostas in my yard. This year they bloomed abundantly and now have large pods where the blooms were which are full of seeds. My questions: 1. If I plant these pods, o...
view the full question and answer
Planting time for Helianthus annuus in Wichita Co., TX
April 16, 2007 - I need to know when is the best time to plant sunflowers in the Wichita Falls, Texas area?
Thank you for your time.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |