Salvia Bonfire Red Flower Seeds

About Salvia Bonfire Red Flower Seeds

A popular bedding annual with bright scarlet flower spikes, for Indian winter beds and borders.

• Botanical name: Salvia splendens
• Care level: Moderate
• Expected germination time: 12-20 days under suitable conditions*

How to Grow

1. Fill a seedling tray or small pot with a fine, clean, well-draining seed-starting mix.
2. Sow at the right depth — Barely cover with soil, about 3 mm — the seeds need a little light.
3. Water gently with a spray bottle so the seeds are not displaced. Keep the medium moist, not waterlogged.
4. Place the tray where it gets the right light for this plant (full sun). Protect young seedlings from harsh afternoon sun.
5. Under suitable conditions, sprouts usually appear in 12-20 days.

Light, water, soil and feeding

• Light: Full sun
• Water: Keep the soil lightly moist; water when the top 2 cm dries. Avoid waterlogging.
• Soil: Well-drained loamy potting mix with compost
• Temperature: 18–28°C ideal; above 38°C the flowers drop.
• Fertiliser: A balanced liquid feed or seaweed every 15 days; phosphorus-rich once flowers appear.

Sowing season in India

September–October in the North Indian plains; February–March in hill areas. Exact timing depends on your local temperature and conditions.

Common problems

Damping off in seedlings, aphids, root rot from overwatering

*Germination time is an expected range under suitable temperature, moisture, sowing depth and storage conditions. Natural germination cannot be guaranteed.