Salvia farinacea

The Salvia farinacea Cathedral series from Bodger Botanicals is more compact than the seed-produced Victoria series with a faster production time. The series has three colors: Deep Blue, White and Sky Blue.

Plants reach 18-24 inches tall and 12-24 inches wide in the landscape. Plants can be used in containers or in the garden.

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The Cathedral series can be produced for spring and fall sales. Both rooted and unrooted cuttings are available. Rooted liners (102-cell trays) are available through Michell’s. Unrooted cuttings should be stuck in cell packs (50- to 105-cell trays) filled with a well-drained growing medium with a pH of 6.0-6.5 and electrical conductivity of 0.8 to 1.5 mmhos.

Plant one rooted cutting in a 4- to 6-inch pot. Allow the growing medium to dry completely between irrigations to help control root-related diseases. This practice will also increase the durability of the plants for shipping and at the retail level. Production time for 4-inch pots started from rooted cuttings is seven to nine weeks; it’s nine to 11 weeks for 6-inch pots. Add four to five weeks if plants are started from unrooted cuttings.

Water plants in the morning and vent to help control humidity. When temperatures are low and light levels are diminished, the water requirement is reduced.

Maintain a daytime temperature of 65°F-75°F. Allowing temperatures to climb to 80°F won’t cause any problems. Night temperatures should be 62°F-65°F.

Apply 100 to 200 parts per million nitrogen using a balanced feed to maintain foliage color. Low-ammonium fertilizers help eliminate stretch and poor growth under lower-light conditions. Include micronutrients as part of the fertilizer solution. Limiting the amount of feed applied will eliminate salt buildup and possible root damage.

Plants can be pinched after roots reach the sides of the pots to help branching.

Plants should be produced in medium to medium-high light levels. Slight shading under high greenhouses will promote quality plants for finish.

Spray applications of Sumagic or B-Nine/A-Rest tank-mix combination are effective in controlling plant height without concern of stunted growth after garden planting.

Thrips and aphids are the only insect problems. Rhizoctonia, Pythium and Phytophthora are the primary disease concerns. Preventive drenches /sprays are recommended.

For more: Bodger Botanicals, (626) 442-6161; www.bodger.com. Henry F. Michell Co., (800) 422-4678; www.michells.com.

Specifics

Name: Salvia farinacea

Crop timing: Crop time for 4-inch pots planted with one rooted cutting is seven to nine weeks. Six-inch pots containing one rooted cuttings finish in nine to 11 weeks. Add four to five weeks if plants are started from unrooted cuttings.

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Grower benefits: Relatively easy crop to produce. Grow plants on the dry side to avoid root diseases. Not many insect problems.