How to Grow Scarlet Bedder
Scarlet Bedder
Salvia splendens 'Scarlet Bedder'
flowerScarlet Bedder is a compact cultivar of salvia featuring vibrant crimson-red tubular flowers that bloom prolifically throughout the growing season. This heat-loving annual or tender perennial grows 18-24 inches tall and is prized for mass plantings, borders, and containers. Its dense, bushy form and continuous flowering make it a reliable choice for adding bold color to gardens.
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Example Scarlet Bedder timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Scarlet Bedder
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 Scarlet Bedder blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Scarlet Bedder dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-11; often grown as an annual in cooler zones and treated as a tender perennial in zones 10-11
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with first true leaves emerging; very delicate
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light (grow lights if indoors). Maintain 70-75°F for optimal germination. Thin seedlings when true leaves appear.
Vegetative
3-4 weeksPlant develops multiple stems and dark green, lanceolate leaves; bushy growth pattern emerging
Pinch off growing tips when 3-4 inches tall to encourage branching and a fuller habit. Gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions if started indoors. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks.
Pre-flowering
2-3 weeksPlant reaches mature size with dense foliage; flower buds begin to form at stem tips
Continue pinching back any tall stems to maintain compact shape. Ensure consistent watering and full sun exposure. Switch to higher phosphorus fertilizer to encourage flowering.
Flowering
8-12 weeks and ongoing until frostAbundant tubular scarlet-red flowers arranged in dense spikes emerge continuously; plants appear as solid masses of color
Deadhead spent flower spikes regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. Maintain steady moisture and fertilize every 3-4 weeks. Watch for spider mites and whiteflies.
Decline/Frost
Variable, until first hard freezePlants slow flowering as temperatures drop below 50°F; frost damage kills annual plantings
In zones 10-11, protect from hard freezes or bring potted plants indoors. In cooler zones, plants will decline with first frost. Can be overwintered indoors in bright conditions.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe. Increase humidity around plants.
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Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; neem oil spray. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Improve air circulation; avoid wetting foliage. Spray with sulfur dust or fungicidal soap if severe.
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects.
Uses
Edible Garnish and Tea
CulinaryScarlet Bedder flowers are edible with a slightly peppery, aromatic flavor and can be used to garnish salads, desserts, and drinks. The flowers can also be dried and steeped into herbal tea. [source]
Cut Flowers and Arrangements
HouseholdThe vibrant scarlet spikes make excellent long-lasting cut flowers for bouquets and floral arrangements, adding dramatic color to any display. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalSalvia species have a long history in traditional medicine for soothing properties; infusions of the flowers have been used for throat and respiratory support. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe tubular flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and bees, making Scarlet Bedder an excellent choice for supporting pollinator populations in the garden. [source]
Dried Flowers
CraftFlower spikes can be air-dried and used in dried flower arrangements, wreaths, and craft projects, retaining their vibrant red color for extended periods. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Deadhead spent flower spikes regularly (pinch or cut just below the wilted flowers) to extend blooming and encourage more flowers. This is the primary 'harvesting' method for ornamental use. Cut stems for fresh bouquets just as flowers begin to open; they last 5-7 days in water.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Scarlet Bedder is one of the most popular bedding salvias and was developed specifically for mass plantings and commercial horticulture due to its compact, uniform growth habit and prolific flowering.
- 🌱 Salvia splendens flowers are pollinated primarily by hummingbirds, and the tubular shape and bright red color are evolutionary adaptations to attract these birds, which have excellent color vision in the red spectrum.
- 🌱 In Mediterranean and South American traditional medicine, Salvia species have been used for centuries; the genus name 'Salvia' comes from the Latin word 'salvus' meaning 'safe' or 'healthy.'
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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