Red Salvia Splendens (St. John's Fire, Scarlet Sage) Flower Seeds

Red Salvia Splendens, also known as St. John’s Fire or Scarlet Sage, is a striking annual known for its blazing red flower spikes and extended blooming season. This non-GMO variety delivers rich color in garden beds, borders, containers, and mass plantings, attracting hummingbirds and pollinators throughout the summer. Heat-tolerant and easy to grow, Red Salvia Splendens is a favorite among gardeners seeking bold color and reliable performance.

Features

• Produces vivid scarlet-red flower spikes
• Long-blooming annual for vibrant summer color
• Non-GMO seed variety
• Thrives in sunny garden beds, borders, and containers
• Excellent for pollinator and hummingbird gardens
• Heat-tolerant and low-maintenance
• Strong, upright growth habit

Specifications

• Common Name: Red Salvia, Scarlet Sage, St. John’s Fire
• Scientific Name: Salvia splendens
• Plant Type: Annual
• USDA Zones: 3–11 (grown as annual everywhere)
• Season: Summer to fall blooms
• Height: 12–36 inches (variety dependent)
• Bloom Color: Scarlet red
• Foliage: Bright green, broad leaves
• Heirloom: Yes
• GMO Status: Non-GMO
• Organic: Not certified organic
• Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Preference: Well-drained, average garden soil
• Water Needs: Moderate
• Growth Rate: Fast
• Heat Tolerance: High
• Cold Tolerance: Low
• Plant Spacing: 10–12 inches
• Seed Longevity: 1–3 years stored in cool, dry conditions

Planting Guide 

• Sowing Method: Start indoors for best results; direct sow in warm climates.
• Seed Preparation: Surface sow; seeds require light for germination.
• When to Plant:
• Indoors: 6–8 weeks before last frost
• Outdoors: After frost danger has passed
• Sowing Depth: Do not cover; press lightly onto soil.
• Germination Time: 10–20 days.
• Light Requirements: Full sun or light shade.
• Soil Conditions: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil.
• Watering: Keep evenly moist during germination; moderate water once established.
• Maintenance:
• Remove spent blooms to encourage more flowers
• Provide spacing for airflow
• Ideal for borders, beds, and mass plantings