Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Thursday - November 04, 2010
From: San Antonio, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Propagation
Title: Growing Big Red Sage from Seed in San Antonio
Answered by: Mike Tomme
QUESTION:
I harvested some seed this year from my Big Red Salvia (Salvia penstemonoides). I have searched multiple sites looking for information on growing this wonderful salvia but cannot locate any information on seed preparation (if required) and best time to sow the seeds. Can you answer this question for me please?ANSWER:
Salvia penstemonoides (Big red sage), aka big red Salvia is grown easily from seed or it can be propagated by root division or from cuttings. No special seed preparation is necessary. Fall is the best time to plant for spring blooms.
If you want to get your plants started in seed starting containers, here is a link that tells you how to do that: How to germinate salvia seeds. Also, here is a link with some general advice about growing Salvia: Growing Salvia.
Finally, here is a link to a previous Mr. Smarty Plants answer about growing big red sage.
Get ready for the hummingbirds, they're going to love it around your place.
More Propagation Questions
Care of recently propagated Century Plant from Litchfield Park AZ
April 24, 2011 - To germinate some century plant seeds I put them in dirt and put the pot in a tray of water. Now, I have 3 sprouts about an inch tall and they came up about an inch apart. Question is, how should I w...
view the full question and answer
Cold moist stratification of Echinacea purpurea
July 23, 2007 - I was looking at your info on Purple Coneflowers and it says: "Seed Treatment: Cold-moist stratification for two months improves germination." What is Cold-moist stratification? Thanks.
view the full question and answer
Prosopsis velutina (velvet mesquite), Larrea tridentata (creosote bush), rain smell
October 02, 2007 - I am an El Paso native living in Plano TX. I terribly miss the smell of rain in El Paso and have learned that this smell is due to the velvet mesquite tree and also the creosote bush, among other thi...
view the full question and answer
Trimming bloom stalks of iris
April 15, 2008 - Mr. Smarty: I live in Nevada, and have some very beautiful Iris plants. They have all blossomed and now I am left with stems. Is there any way I can cut them back so they blossom again? If so how shou...
view the full question and answer
Transplanting bamboo
July 29, 2008 - To transplant bamboo from one place to another, do you dig the plant up or do you get a cutting, put it in water and then root the plant?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |