salvia coccinea TROPICAL SAGE (15 seeds)

Blood Sage, scientifically known as Salvia coccinea, is a small perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It is widespread throughout the southeastern United States, Mexico, and Central America. This species typically reaches a height of 60 to 80 cm.

The leaves of this sage variety are arranged oppositely along hairy stems. They have a deltoid to ovate shape with serrated edges, and their bright green surface is slightly pubescent (downy). When crushed, these leaves release a very characteristic aromatic scent.

The inflorescence takes the form of elongated, upright racemes where the flowers are organized in spaced whorls. Each flower has a tubular, two-lipped (bilabiate) corolla, with a significantly more developed lower lip. The natural color of its flowers is an intense scarlet red.

Blooding Sage seeds are very small, oblong in shape, and brown to black in color. Their surface is smooth, and they fall naturally to the ground once the calyx is completely dry and open.

- Uses:

Scarlet Blooms and Features of Salvia coccinea

Salvia coccinea, available as quality seeds from Ethnoplants, is distinguished by its vibrant red blooms that flourish from summer until the first frosts.
Its downy, aromatic leaves release a sweet scent when crushed, making this scarlet sage an exceptional choice for your flower beds, borders, and balcony planters.

Ecological Cultivation and Garden Biodiversity

Highly nectar-rich, this honey-producing plant is a valuable ally for pollinators, actively attracting bees and butterflies to natural gardens.
Easy to grow and particularly resilient, Salvia coccinea promotes local biodiversity while offering a colourful and sustainable plant display.

- Germination and Sowing:

• The ideal period to sow tropical Sage is starting from late April.
• Sow the seeds in a tray of potting soil by sprinkling them on top without covering them.
• Water gently by spraying.
• Place the culture in a greenhouse at a temperature of 30 to 35°C.
• Germination will begin 2 to 3 weeks after planting.

- Soil Type:

Blooding Sage is not demanding regarding soil nature, but it prefers light, fertile, and, above all, well-drained soil. Stagnant humidity at the root level can cause rot, especially in winter. A mixture of 70% classic garden soil enriched with 30% compost or leaf mold suits it perfectly. If your soil is naturally heavy or clayey, adding sand or gravel at the bottom of the planting hole is highly recommended to aid water drainage.

- Exposure:

To obtain abundant flowering and brilliant colors, this sage must be installed in full sun. It appreciates heat, which stimulates the production of its flower spikes. However, in regions with scorching summers, it tolerates partial shade very well, especially during the hottest hours of the afternoon.

- Growing Temperature:

Native to the warm regions of the Americas, it is a frost-sensitive plant that thrives ideally between 18°C and 28°C. It is considered poorly hardy; its aerial parts disappear as soon as the thermometer drops below 0°C. While the base can sometimes regrow from the stump after a light frost (down to about -5°C), it is most often grown as an annual in temperate zones.

- Watering:

Its water needs are moderate but regular, especially during the planting phase and during prolonged dry spells. It is advised to water at the base of the plant without wetting the foliage to limit the risk of fungal diseases such as powdery mildew.

- Multiplication / Propagation:

Multiplication is extremely simple and is mainly done by seeds. Taking cuttings of non-flowering stems is another very effective method, feasible in late summer or spring, allowing for the quick production of new plants identical to the parent plant.

This article was written by Julien on 07/15/2026.