S. praeclara is an extremely fast-grower, and can flower within 3 months from sowing, in the UK anyway. As Ginny Hunt says, "like coccinea on steroids." So I recommend sowing it late. Grows up to 5 ft. tall here, and does not seem fussed about soil. It is colourful for most of the summer, but is seriously prone to mildew. Not my favourite Salvia, but definitely worth growing.

Robin.

Thanks Robin. Since I'll be using it as a "hummingbird feeder plant" it doesn't need to be as dazzling as some of the other salvias. But based on your advice maybe I'll limit the number of plants and just conduct a shall test.

Watch this one for Noctuid caterpillars, they'll chomp down on the flower buds and new growth. No pesticide necessary, just pick them off, drop on ground and squish.

Joseph

Ward
I sowed my seeds around the end of March. The seedlings as of today are 12 inches tall from the surface of the soil to the top of the plants. They desperately need to go into bigger pots as they are getting a bit top heavy but I was hoping to have them planted out by now however with temps only in the 50's this week during the days and high 30's to mid 40's at night I think it is still a bit risky.

Penny

Growing season in the south starts sooner, have mine in the ground for a couple of weeks. The tallest one is 37" tall, they also can start blooming at 12 to 15 inches. I already collected 2 seeds the other day, though the rest are not ready. But I am enjoying the show in front of the border.
Helena

Here is a link that might be useful:

I am amazed at how quickly this salvia grows. I have two plants that are starting to form an inflorescence. I may have to do this one every year just for the fact that it grows and blooms sooner than my other salvias.

Beatiful photo Helena!

Penny

Thanks Penny, that's one of the reasons I grow it too. The hummers like them too.

Helena

I can't wait to get them in the ground and have them blooming. THis salvia has got me pretty excited....Thank you Helena!

Penny