How to Grow Salmon Supreme
Wikimedia Commons
Salmon Supreme
Salvia splendens 'Salmon Supreme'
flowerSalmon Supreme is a vibrant cultivar of scarlet sage featuring coral-salmon colored flower spikes that bloom prolifically throughout the growing season. This tender perennial is typically grown as an annual and brings bold color to gardens, containers, and landscape borders with minimal maintenance required.
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Example Salmon Supreme timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Salmon Supreme
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 Salmon Supreme blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Salmon Supreme dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10-11 as a perennial; grow as annual in zones 2-9
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny green cotyledons emerge, followed by first true leaves with visible serrated edges
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Provide bright light and maintain 70-75°F temperature. Thin seedlings to strongest plant if direct seeding.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops bushy foliage with multiple leaf stems and sturdy root system; deep green, textured leaves
Pinch growing tips when 4-6 inches tall to encourage branching. Fertilize every 2 weeks with balanced fertilizer. Keep soil moist. Harden off transplants gradually before outdoor planting.
Flowering
6-12 weeks (or until frost)Tubular salmon-coral flowers appear in dense spikes at branch tips; blooms open progressively from bottom to top of spike
Deadhead spent flower spikes regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Water consistently. Apply balanced fertilizer or switch to higher phosphorus to promote blooms.
Peak Bloom
4-8 weeksMultiple flower spikes present simultaneously; plant is heavily covered with salmon-colored tubular flowers
Deadhead frequently for maximum flower production. Water deeply during hot weather. Pinch back leggy growth to maintain compact shape. Watch for pests in stressed plants.
Seed Production/Decline
Until first frost (zones 2-9) or ongoing (zones 10-11)If not deadheaded, flowers fade and develop seed pods; flowering slows as days shorten in fall
Collect seeds from spent spikes if desired before frost kills plant. Allow some flowers to remain if you want seeds for next year. In frost-free zones, can overwinter with light pruning.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use miticides if severe. Increase humidity around plants. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
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Improve air circulation; avoid wetting foliage. Spray with sulfur or fungicide if needed. Remove infected leaves.
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and
Hand-pick in early morning; use copper tape barriers or diatomaceous earth. Beer traps work effectively.
Uses
Edible Garnish
CulinarySalmon Supreme flowers are technically edible and add striking visual appeal to salads, desserts, and cocktails. The flowers have a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements fresh dishes. [source]
Cut Flowers and Arrangements
HouseholdThe tall, colorful spikes are excellent for cutting gardens and floral arrangements, providing weeks of color in vases. Their long vase life and vibrant salmon-coral tone make them popular with florists. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeSalmon Supreme attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies throughout the growing season with its tubular flowers rich in nectar. It serves as an important nectar source in summer and early fall gardens. [source]
Dried Flower Crafts
CraftDried flower spikes retain their salmon color well and can be used in dried arrangements, wreaths, and potpourri. Hang stems upside down in a warm, dry location for 2-3 weeks. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalSome Salvia species have been used traditionally in herbal medicine; Salmon Supreme belongs to the sage family known for potential antimicrobial properties, though it's not commonly used medicinally. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Pinch flower spikes regularly once blooming begins for continuous production. Cut spikes when 2-3 flowers are open, leaving stems with 2-3 leaf nodes on plant. Flowers last 7-10 days in a vase. Collect seed pods before frost by cutting entire spikes and drying indoors.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Salmon Supreme is a hybrid cultivar specifically bred for its vibrant coral-salmon color and prolific flowering habit, making it more floriferous than wild Salvia splendens species.
- 🌱 The tubular flowers are perfectly adapted for hummingbird pollination—their narrow shape and rich nectar rewards these tiny birds for visiting.
- 🌱 Scarlet sage has been cultivated ornamentally since it was introduced to Europe from Mexico in the 1800s, and modern cultivars like Salmon Supreme represent generations of selective breeding for color and vigor.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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