Salvia (Scarlet Sage) in Zone 10a & 10b
Salvia splendens
When to plant salvia (scarlet sage) in zone 10b
Zones 10a and 10b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. Salvia (Scarlet Sage) needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.
| Window | Spring window |
|---|---|
| Start indoors | Jan–Mar |
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Mar–May |
| Estimated bloom | May 20–Aug 19 (~80 days after transplanting) |
| Window | Fall window |
|---|---|
| Start indoors | Jul–Aug |
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Sep–Oct |
| Estimated bloom | Nov 20–Jan 19 '27 (~80 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: 1 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1-1.5 ft.
Zone 10b dates sourced from growinginthegarden.com.
Salvia (scarlet sage) is a long-season bloomer that doesn't quit. Once established it flowers steadily from late spring until frost, which makes it one of the more reliable season-long pollinator draws in the garden. The flowers themselves are narrow, upright spikes of tubular blooms, usually red, packed onto 1.5- to 3-foot plants.
How salvia (scarlet sage) fits zone 10's season
Zone 10b's frost-free window runs about 324 days, from January 30 to December 20. Salvia (Scarlet Sage) needs about 80 days from transplant to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Salvia (Scarlet Sage).
Where to buy salvia seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing salvia (scarlet sage)" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 10b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Salvia (Scarlet Sage) in USDA zone 10b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
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