How to Grow Blue Peter
Wikimedia Commons
Blue Peter
Salvia farinacea 'Blue Peter'
flowerBlue Peter is a compact cultivar of mealycup sage, featuring striking deep blue-purple flower spikes that bloom prolifically throughout the growing season. This tender perennial is prized for its vibrant color, long blooming period, and ability to attract pollinators. It's commonly grown as an annual in cooler climates.
When should you plant Blue Peter in your zone?
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Example Blue Peter timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Blue Peter
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Blue Peter blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Blue Peter dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Perennial in zones 9b-11; grown as annual in zones 3-9a
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny green leaves emerge; plants are delicate and small with thin stems.
Maintain consistent moisture and warmth (70-75°F). Provide bright indirect light. Thin or transplant when 2-3 leaves appear.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlants develop bushy foliage with multiple stems and oval, slightly fuzzy gray-green leaves.
Pinch growing tips at 6 inches tall to encourage branching. Water regularly and fertilize every 2 weeks with balanced fertilizer.
Budding & Early Flowering
2-3 weeksFlower buds form at stem tips; deep blue-purple flower spikes begin to emerge and open from bottom to top.
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; switch to phosphorus-rich formula. Ensure consistent watering and full sun exposure.
Peak Flowering
8-12 weeksPlant is covered with multiple tall, densely-packed blue-purple flower spikes in full bloom.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Water at soil level to avoid wetting flowers.
Late Season & Decline
4-8 weeks (annual); variable (perennial)Flowering may slow in extreme heat or cold; foliage remains green but becomes woody.
In frost-prone areas, bring plants indoors or let them die back naturally. In warm zones, cut back by one-third to rejuvenate.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects; use yellow sticky traps.
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Increase humidity; spray with water or horticultural oil; apply neem oil if infestation is severe.
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur or fungicide; remove affected leaves.
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and
Remove debris; use copper tape barriers; hand-pick; apply slug bait if needed.
Uses
Fresh Cut Flowers
HouseholdBlue Peter's vibrant spikes make excellent long-lasting cut flowers for bouquets and floral arrangements. They add vertical interest and rich color to any indoor display. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe nectar-rich flowers attract bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden. This makes it an excellent choice for supporting pollinator populations. [source]
Dried Flower Arrangements
CraftFlower spikes can be dried for use in dried arrangements, wreaths, and floral crafts. Hang-dry away from direct sunlight to preserve color. [source]
Garden Color & Landscape Design
HouseholdBlue Peter's compact habit and prolific blooming make it ideal for borders, containers, massed plantings, and cottage gardens. The deep blue color provides striking contrast in mixed plantings. [source]
Traditional Herbal Uses
MedicinalSalvia species have a long history in traditional medicine. While Blue Peter is primarily ornamental, sage family members are known for antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Blue Peter is an ornamental flower, not typically harvested for eating. However, flowers can be cut for fresh arrangements when fully open. Cut at the base of the spike using clean scissors. Deadheading (removing spent flowers) extends blooming season significantly.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Blue Peter belongs to the Salvia genus, which includes culinary sage, and contains aromatic essential oils that give the foliage a pleasant fragrance when brushed.
- 🌱 The common name 'mealycup' refers to the white powdery (mealy) appearance of the sepals that cup the blue flowers—a distinctive identifying feature.
- 🌱 In zones 9b and warmer, Blue Peter can bloom almost year-round with proper care, making it an exceptionally long-flowering perennial.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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