How to Grow Scarlet Flame
iNaturalist
Scarlet Flame
Salvia splendens
flowerScarlet Flame is a vibrant annual flowering plant known for its brilliant red tubular flowers that bloom prolifically throughout the growing season. Native to Brazil, this tender perennial is typically grown as an annual in temperate climates and reaches 12-24 inches in height. It's a favorite for borders, containers, and bedding displays due to its long-lasting, showy blooms that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
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Example Scarlet Flame timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Scarlet Flame
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 Flame blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10-11; grown as annual in zones 3-9
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny green leaves emerge; seedlings are delicate and small (1-2 inches tall)
Keep soil moist but not soggy. Provide bright light. Seeds are slow to germinate (10-15 days). Maintain warmth (70-75°F). Thin seedlings to prevent crowding.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops multiple stems and deep green oval leaves; bushy structure forms (4-8 inches tall)
Pinch back growing tips when 3-4 inches tall to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Continue regular watering and fertilizing every 2 weeks with balanced fertilizer.
Pre-flowering
2-3 weeksPlant reaches mature height; leaf production slows; flower buds begin forming at stem tips
Continue pinching back if taller growth is unwanted. Switch to lower-nitrogen fertilizer (higher phosphorus) to promote flowering. Maintain consistent moisture.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (summer through fall)Striking scarlet red tubular flowers appear in dense spikes; continuous blooming for months
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Fertilize every 2 weeks with bloom-boosting fertilizer. Increase watering during hot weather. Watch for pests.
Decline (end of season)
Variable by climateFlowering slows as temperatures cool and daylight decreases; plant may become leggy
In warm climates, cut back plant by 1/3 to revitalize for next season. In cold climates, allow to decline and prepare for frost or remove before first freeze.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Increase air circulation. Use yellow sticky traps to monitor and control populations.
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Mist plants regularly to increase humidity. Spray with neem oil or miticide. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab. Spray with insecticidal soap. Isolate infested plants.
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Hand-pick early morning or evening. Use beer traps or copper barriers. Apply diatomaceous earth around base.
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Improve air circulation. Avoid wetting foliage. Apply fungicide spray if severe. Remove affected leaves.
Uses
Edible flowers for garnish
CulinaryScarlet Flame flowers are edible and can be used as a colorful, peppery garnish for salads, cocktails, and desserts. Their bright red color makes them visually striking for gourmet plating. [source]
Hummingbird and pollinator magnet
WildlifeThe tubular flowers are specifically adapted to attract hummingbirds and are also visited by bees and butterflies. Planting Scarlet Flame helps support pollinator populations in gardens. [source]
Cut flowers and floral arrangements
HouseholdThe long-lasting scarlet spikes are excellent for fresh flower arrangements, lasting 1-2 weeks in water. They add dramatic color and height to bouquets. [source]
Traditional herbal tea
MedicinalIn some cultures, Salvia splendens flowers and leaves have been used to make herbal tea traditionally valued for throat and digestive support, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]
Dried flower crafts
CraftThe flowers can be dried and used in dried flower arrangements, wreaths, and pressed flower crafts, maintaining much of their vibrant color. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Scarlet Flame is grown for ornamental flowers, not harvested in the traditional sense. Deadhead spent flower spikes by pinching or cutting just below the spent blooms to maintain a neat appearance and promote continuous flowering. Cut stems for fresh flower arrangements when flowers are fully open. In warm climates, allow some flowers to set seed if you wish to collect seed for next year (mature seed pods turn brown and papery).
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Scarlet Flame Salvia is native to the Brazilian cerrado and was first cultivated in Europe in the 1800s, becoming a Victorian garden favorite.
- 🌱 Hummingbirds prefer red flowers, and the tubular shape of Scarlet Flame blooms is perfectly designed for hummingbird beaks, making it one of the most reliable hummingbird-attracting plants.
- 🌱 The flower spikes can produce hundreds of individual blooms over the season, and deadheading encourages even more flowers to form, potentially extending blooming until frost.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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