Deadheading salvia

Hi folks,

First, I've got to say I am new here this year and a beginning gardener. Your responses to my questions have been wonderful...it's like living with a landscaper! SO thanks.

I planted Salvia East Friesland and Salvia May Night. They are both supposed to be deadheaded after blooming. My question is, do I cut off the spikes, or just knock off the small blooms? I am not sure what deadheading means with these lovely, spikey plants.

Thanks!

My suggestion would be to cut the whole spike. I, too, am fond of salvia, they are great plants.

Cut the flower spikes back to the first set of leaves before the base of each spike. There is usually one central spike and two side spikes with a set of leaves at the their base. Cut below these leaves and before the next set of leaves down the stem. If the salvia is one that will re-bloom, the blooms will come from this point and may already be visible as tiny buds. If there is only one spike then just cut that off at its base and two side spikes may be formed and bloom. I hope I explained that okay. When in doubt just cut off the spike bloom and the plant will do its thing. The main thing you are trying to do is keep the plant from going to seed so it will bloom again. Some plants do this and some will only bloom once no matter if they are dead headed or not. Also they look more tidy if that matters to you. These are great plants and add a lot to a garden. Good luck with them.

Welcome segurry!

good info... thanks for asking!!!

Amen