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Salvia Victoria Blue

Salvia splendens 'Victoria Blue'

This compact powerhouse produces dense spikes of true blue flowers that are magnets for butterflies and hummingbirds throughout the growing season. Unlike typical red salvias, this variety offers the rare and coveted blue color that gardeners crave for cooler color schemes.

Harvest

80-90d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

☀️

Zones

10–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

1-3 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Showing dates for Salvia Victoria Blue in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 flower →

Zone Map

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Salvia Victoria Blue · Zones 10–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing8-10 inches

SoilWell-drained, average to rich soil

pH6.0-7.5

WaterModerate, 1 inch per week, drought tolerant once established

SeasonWarm season annual

FlavorMildly aromatic, not typically consumed

ColorTrue deep blue

Size4-6 inch flower spikes

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	April – May	June – July	June – August	—
Zone 4	March – April	June – June	June – July	—
Zone 5	March – April	May – June	May – July	—
Zone 6	March – April	May – June	May – July	—
Zone 7	February – March	April – May	April – June	—
Zone 8	February – March	April – May	April – June	—
Zone 9	January – February	March – April	March – May	—
Zone 10	January – January	February – March	February – April	—
Zone 1	May – June	July – August	July – September	—
Zone 2	April – May	June – July	June – August	—
Zone 11	January – January	January – February	January – March	—
Zone 12	January – January	January – February	January – March	—
Zone 13	January – January	January – February	January – March	—

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt). Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 8 in. - 0 ft. 10 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Schizocarp has 4 lobes that separate into 4 single-seeded nutlets.

Color: Black. Type: Schizocarp. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh-cut Salvia Victoria Blue stems last 5-7 days when stored properly. Immediately after cutting, recut stems underwater and place in clean vases with fresh water mixed with flower food. Keep arrangements away from direct sunlight and heat sources, changing water every 2-3 days.

For dried flower arrangements, harvest when blooms are at peak color but before fully open. Strip lower leaves and bundle 5-7 stems together with rubber bands. Hang upside down in a dark, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks. Properly dried salvias retain their blue color for 6-8 months when stored in airtight containers away from light.

To preserve seeds for next year's planting, allow some flower spikes to remain on plants until they turn brown and papery. Collect seeds on a dry day, clean thoroughly, and store in paper envelopes in a cool, dry location. Properly stored seeds remain viable for 3-4 years.

History & Origin

Origin: Brazil

Advantages

+Attracts: Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Pollinators
+Fast-growing
+Low maintenance

Companion Plants

Marigolds (especially Tagetes patula) are the most practical neighbor here — their root secretions deter soil nematodes, and the flowers draw in predatory insects that also knock back the aphids and whiteflies that target Victoria Blue. Lavender, Rosemary, and Catmint work through a different channel: the volatile oils in their foliage genuinely disorient soft-bodied pests searching for a landing spot, which is a real mechanism, not garden folklore. Zinnias and Cosmos fill out the bed without competing for the same root zone. Mint is the one to skip — not because of allelopathy, but because it spreads by underground runner and will physically crowd out anything within 12-18 inches unless you're growing it in a buried container.

Plant Together

Marigold

Repels aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes while attracting beneficial insects

Lavender

Similar growing conditions, repels pests, and attracts pollinators

Rosemary

Deters cabbage moths and carrot flies, shares drought tolerance

Zinnia

Attracts butterflies and beneficial insects, complementary bloom colors

Catmint

Repels ants, aphids, and rodents while attracting bees

Cosmos

Attracts beneficial insects and provides structural contrast

Nasturtium

Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles

Oregano

Repels many pests and attracts beneficial predatory insects

Keep Apart

Black Walnut

Produces juglone toxin that inhibits growth of many flowering plants

Eucalyptus

Releases allelopathic compounds that suppress nearby plant growth

Mint

Aggressive spreading habit competes for space and nutrients

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good disease resistance, may get root rot in poorly drained soil

Common Pests

Aphids, whiteflies, spider mites

Diseases

Root rot, powdery mildew in humid conditions

Troubleshooting Salvia Victoria Blue

What you'll see, why it happens, and what to do about it.

Leaves covered in white powdery coating, usually starting on upper leaf surfaces in late summer

Likely Causes

Powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum) — thrives when nights are cool and humid but days are warm
Crowded spacing below 8 inches that cuts airflow between plants

What to Do

1.Remove and trash the worst-affected leaves — don't compost them
2.Spray foliage with a diluted potassium bicarbonate solution (1 tablespoon per gallon of water) every 7-10 days
3.Next season, hold to the 8-10 inch spacing and site the plants where they get at least 4 hours of direct sun

Plants wilting and yellowing at the base, roots appearing brown and mushy when pulled

Likely Causes

Root rot caused by Phytophthora or Pythium spp. — almost always triggered by waterlogged soil
Planting in heavy clay with no amendment, or pots without drainage holes

What to Do

1.Pull and discard affected plants — they won't recover once the crown is gone
2.Amend beds with perlite or coarse compost before replanting; target a soil pH of 6.0-7.5 and good drainage
3.Water to 1 inch per week and let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings

Sticky residue on leaves and stems, with clusters of small soft-bodied insects on new growth or leaf undersides

Likely Causes

Aphids (multiple species) — populations explode fast in warm, still weather
Whiteflies (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) — common when plants are stressed or crowded with poor air movement

What to Do

1.Knock aphids off with a firm blast of water from a hose — do this in the morning so foliage dries quickly
2.Apply insecticidal soap (2-3% solution) directly to affected areas; repeat every 5-7 days until pressure drops
3.Plant Zinnia or Cosmos nearby — both draw parasitic wasps that work on aphids and whiteflies alike

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Salvia Victoria Blue take to bloom from seed?▼

Salvia Victoria Blue typically blooms 80-90 days from seed when started indoors. If you start seeds 6-8 weeks before your last frost date, expect first blooms in early to mid-summer. Plants started later will bloom accordingly, but ensure you start them at least 12 weeks before your first expected fall frost for a good flower display.

Can you grow Salvia Victoria Blue in containers?▼

Yes, Salvia Victoria Blue is excellent for containers due to its compact 10-12 inch height and moderate root system. Use containers at least 8 inches deep with drainage holes, and plant 6-8 inches apart. Container plants may need daily watering in hot weather, but ensure soil drains well to prevent root rot.

Is Salvia Victoria Blue good for beginning gardeners?▼

Absolutely. Victoria Blue is considered easy to grow once established, with good disease resistance and minimal maintenance needs. The main challenge for beginners is starting from seed since they need light to germinate, but purchasing transplants from nurseries makes this variety very beginner-friendly.

When should I plant Salvia Victoria Blue outdoors?▼

Plant Salvia Victoria Blue outdoors only after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures consistently reach 60°F. This is typically 1-2 weeks after your last frost date. Starting seeds indoors 6-8 weeks earlier gives you strong transplants ready for optimal planting conditions.

What's the difference between Victoria Blue and regular red salvia?▼

Victoria Blue offers the rare true blue flower color versus traditional red, plus a more compact growth habit at 10-12 inches tall compared to standard varieties that often reach 18-24 inches. Both share similar care requirements, but Victoria Blue commands higher prices due to specialized breeding for the blue coloration.

Does Salvia Victoria Blue attract hummingbirds and butterflies?▼

Yes, Victoria Blue is an exceptional pollinator magnet. The tubular blue flowers are particularly attractive to hummingbirds, while butterflies love the abundant nectar. The continuous blooming habit provides a reliable food source throughout the growing season, making it valuable for pollinator gardens.