Name: Fairy Queen mealycup sage (Salvia farinacea)
Brand: Norseco
SKU: 61-7553-010
Price: 5.09 CAD
Availability: InStock

Sale Sold out

Fairy Queen mealycup sage forming a compact, branched 45-to-55-cm plant with upright spikes of sapphire-blue and white tubular flowers above green foliage. Narrow flowers are distributed along the stems, creating a clear vertical effect that is easy to identify in a border, patio container, or pollinator garden. The image emphasizes the uniform habit and vivid sapphire-blue and white colour associated with this cultivar.

Bare seeds Lamiaceae

Ornamental flowers seeds

Norseco

From seed to harvest

Common nameFairy Queen mealycup sage

FamilyLamiaceae

GenusSalvia

Speciesfarinacea

CultivarFairy Queen

TypeBare seeds

Botanical nameSalvia farinacea

Quantity per packetApproximately 50 bare seeds

Fairy Queen mealycup sage (Salvia farinacea) is a compact, well-branched and highly floriferous annual for summer gardens. Its sapphire-blue and white tubular flower spikes continue from June through September and are especially attractive to pollinators, while bees and butterflies also visit. Plants reach approximately 45 to 55 cm tall and may spread approximately 40 cm under favourable conditions. The uniform habit suits sunny borders, flower beds, patio containers, and small bouquets. The vivid flowers remain visible in mixed garden plantings. Repeated plants create a vivid sapphire-blue and white display without overwhelming nearby lower-growing flowers.

The W.H. Perron packet, product code 61-7553-010, contains approximately 50 bare seeds. Sow indoors about eight to nine weeks before transplanting in clean, porous, well-drained seed-starting mix. Press seeds onto the surface and cover them very lightly with vermiculite. Maintain approximately 24°C and even moisture without waterlogging the medium. Germination takes 5 to 10 days, followed by maturity in approximately 12 to 14 weeks. After emergence, provide abundant light and good air movement to keep seedlings short and sturdy. Rotate trays regularly so each plant develops evenly before gradual hardening.

Harden seedlings gradually, then transplant 7 to 10 days after the last ground frost in full sun and humus-rich, well-drained soil. Space plants 25 to 35 cm apart, or farther apart when allowing the maximum published spread. Water every two or three days until roots establish, then water deeply when the surface begins to dry. Established mealycup sage tolerates short dry periods. Remove faded spikes to support continued flowering, and avoid standing water, excessive nitrogen, and repeated overhead irrigation. Inspect foliage regularly for aphids, slugs, powdery mildew, and root-rot symptoms.

Light and life cycle

In the garden

Exposure: Sun to partial shade
Life cycle: Annual

Sowing and germination

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

Surface sow or barely cover; press for good contact

Spacing / density

25 to 35 cm between plants

Germination temperature

Approximately 24°C

Germination time

5 to 10 days

Sowing period

Indoors 8 to 9 weeks before planting; transplant 7 to 10 days after the last ground frost

Propagation

Seed

Growing method

Sow Fairy Queen indoors approximately eight to nine weeks before transplanting. Use clean, porous, well-drained seed-starting mix. Press seeds onto the surface, then cover them very lightly with vermiculite. Maintain approximately 24°C and even moisture without waterlogging the medium. Emergence takes 5 to 10 days. After germination, provide abundant light and gentle air movement. Harden plants for one week, then transplant 7 to 10 days after the last ground frost. Choose full sun and humus-rich, loose, well-drained soil. Space plants 25 to 35 cm apart. Water every two or three days until establishment, then when the surface begins to dry. Remove faded spikes to encourage continued bloom. Monitor aphids, slugs, powdery mildew, and root rot, especially where air movement or drainage is limited. In garden beds, mulch lightly without covering the crown to stabilize moisture and reduce soil splash. Position several plants near a window for pollinator viewing without blocking their approach. In containers, group pots with species having similar needs while preserving airflow between them. Remove severely damaged foliage promptly, clean cutting tools between plants, and check drainage after heavy rain. A clear path also makes weekly deadheading and soil-level watering easier throughout the flowering season. In containers, check moisture more often on hot days and always empty the saucer. Apply a balanced fertilizer at a low label rate only if growth slows or foliage pales. Rotate pots regularly for even light, and cut stems above a healthy branch. Remove severely damaged tissue promptly and keep tools clean when moving between healthy plants.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Soil pH

Light, dry to moderately moist, well-drained soil

Moisture

Consistent without saturation

Minimum temperature

Frost tender during annual production

Care level

Easy

Watering

After transplanting, water every two or three days until the roots are established. Then, allow the surface to begin to dry out before watering deeply at the base. Fairy Queen tolerates short dry spells once established, but prolonged drought reduces flowering. Avoid standing water and frequent watering of the foliage. Sow indoors about eight to nine weeks before transplanting, in clean, porous, and well-drained seed-starting mix.

Soil type

This sage prefers humus-rich, loose, and very well-drained soil. Moderately fertile soil supports branching and flowering without producing excessive foliage. Incorporate a little mature compost when the soil is poor, but avoid heavy nitrogen applications. In containers, use an aerated potting mix and clear drainage holes. Avoid hollows where water accumulates, as salvia roots are sensitive to persistent moisture.

Fertilization

Incorporate a small amount of mature compost before planting where soil is poor. After establishment, a balanced fertilizer applied lightly according to its label is generally sufficient. Avoid high nitrogen rates, which promote leaves at the expense of flower spikes and may soften growth. In containers, feed at a reduced rate and occasionally water deeply with clear water to limit salt accumulation. Observe foliage colour and flowering before adding more fertilizer rather than feeding automatically on a fixed schedule.

Seasonal care

In spring, sow Fairy Queen indoors eight to nine weeks before transplanting and keep the medium evenly moist until seedlings emerge. After germination, provide abundant light and gentle air movement to maintain short, sturdy plants. Harden them for one week, then plant in sun or light partial shade 7 to 10 days after the last ground frost, spacing plants 25 to 35 cm apart. During summer, water at soil level when the surface begins to dry and remove faded spikes regularly to support continued flowering. Light feeding is sufficient in moderately fertile soil; excessive nitrogen produces more foliage. Monitor aphids, slugs, powdery mildew, and root rot, especially where drainage or air movement is limited. Fairy Queen is grown as an annual in Canadian cold climates, so plants can be removed after the first autumn frosts. In garden beds, a light mulch kept away from the crown helps stabilize moisture and reduce soil splash on foliage. Check drainage after heavy rain and adjust watering to actual conditions instead of following a fixed schedule. Clean cutting tools before moving between plants and remove severely damaged foliage promptly. In windy locations, shelter containers from strong gusts while preserving a bright exposure. Record the sowing date and the beginning of flowering to plan the following season more accurately. Continue inspecting new growth weekly because early attention makes aphids, slugs, and moisture problems easier to manage.

Growing in containers

Container growing

Recommended pot size

Container at least 30 cm wide with drainage

Fairy Queen performs well in containers because of its upright 45-to-55-cm habit. Choose a stable pot at least 35 cm wide with open drainage holes and use an airy potting mix. Grow one plant in a small container or space several plants 25 to 35 cm apart in a larger planter. Place the container in sun or light partial shade. Water deeply when the surface begins to dry, and always empty the saucer to prevent standing water. Apply a balanced fertilizer at a low label rate only if growth slows or foliage pales. Remove faded spikes above a healthy branch to extend flowering. During hot or windy periods, check moisture more often without keeping roots continuously wet. Rotate the container weekly to distribute light and maintain balanced growth. Leave enough space around the foliage for air movement, and position the pot near a path or patio where the flowers can be viewed. Combine Fairy Queen with white sweet alyssum or silver foliage plants having similar needs without overcrowding the surface. After heavy rain, confirm that water drains freely and remove severely damaged leaves with a clean tool. A light mulch on the surface may reduce splash, but keep it away from the crown.

Growth and harvest

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

45 to 55 cm (17.7 to 21.7 in)

Width / spread

15.7 in (40 cm)

Flower color

Sapphire blue and white bicolour

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Green foliage

Growth rate

Moderate

Growth habit

Upright and branched

Fragrance

No particular fragrance confirmed

Bloom period

Fairy Queen generally flowers from June through September, depending on sowing date and region. Upright spikes carry numerous sapphire-blue and white tubular flowers that are especially attractive to pollinators. Maturity takes approximately 12 to 14 weeks after sowing under favourable conditions. Cut faded spikes just above a healthy branch to stimulate new flowering shoots. For a small bouquet, harvest stems when several flowers are open and place them promptly in clean water. Continued deadheading also limits unwanted self-sowing where a tidy border is preferred.

Days to maturity

12 to 14 weeks

Garden companions

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Combine Fairy Queen with white sweet alyssum, blue ageratum, zinnias, low ornamental grasses, or silver foliage plants that also appreciate sun and good drainage. Violet blue stands out particularly well beside white or sapphire blue and white flowers. Allow 25 to 35 cm between plants, or more when accommodating their full spread. Avoid very vigorous neighbours that may shade young salvias or retain excessive moisture around roots. Repeating the sapphire-blue and white spikes at intervals creates visual rhythm and gives pollinators several accessible feeding points along the planting. Keep companion foliage below the flower spikes so the sapphire-blue and white blooms remain visible and accessible.

Garden use

Place Fairy Queen toward the front or middle of a sunny bed, near a path or patio where pollinators can be observed. Its 45-to-55-cm height suits edging, while its spread is approximately 40 cm under favourable conditions. Repeat three to five plants for a continuous sapphire-blue and white mass and combine them with white, blue, or purple flowers. Choose humus-rich, well-drained soil, then water regularly until establishment. Afterwards, allow the surface to dry slightly between waterings. Remove faded spikes weekly to stimulate new flowers and limit volunteer seedlings. Avoid placing plants under frequent overhead irrigation. In windy regions, shelter them from strong gusts without removing full sun. Inspect young growth for aphids and preserve enough space for air movement. A layer of mulch around, but not against, the crown helps stabilize moisture and reduce soil splash. Position several plants near a window for pollinator viewing without blocking their approach. In containers, group pots with species having similar needs while preserving airflow between them. Remove severely damaged foliage promptly, clean cutting tools between plants, and check drainage after heavy rain. A clear path also makes weekly deadheading and soil-level watering easier throughout the flowering season.

Wildlife and pets

Wildlife & precautions

Supporting wildlife

The sapphire-blue and white spikes of Fairy Queen provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other visiting insects. Group several plants in sun or light partial shade and avoid insecticides on open flowers to protect these pollinators. Activity varies with region, weather, flowering stage, and other nectar sources available nearby seasonally.

Frequently asked questions

What is in a Fairy Queen salvia packet?

The W.H. Perron packet, product code 61-7553-010, contains approximately 50 bare Fairy Queen mealycup sage seeds. Bare seed is neither coated nor pelleted. Store the packet closed, labelled, cool, and dry until sowing. Keep the label with young plants so the cultivar name, product code, and sowing date remain easy to consult until flowering. Salvias may cross-pollinate with compatible plants, so seed collected later may produce less-uniform plants when several cultivars flower nearby. Fairy Queen is primarily selected for the consistent appearance provided by the original packet. Keep stored seed safely away from humidity, heat, and direct sunlight at home.

How should Fairy Queen salvia be sown successfully?

Sow Fairy Queen indoors 8 to 9 weeks before planting in clean, light, well-drained seed-starting mix. Press the small seeds onto the surface, cover them very lightly, then maintain approximately 24°C and even moisture without waterlogging the medium. Germination generally takes 5 to 10 days. After emergence, provide abundant light and good air movement. Harden plants gradually for one week, then transplant 7 to 10 days after the last ground frost. Choose sun or light partial shade, keep the crown level with the surrounding soil, and space plants 25 to 35 cm apart to preserve their airy upright habit and allow easy access for seasonal care.

What flowers and dimensions should be expected?

Fairy Queen produces sapphire-blue flowers and blue-toned spikes marked with white. W.H. Perron lists a height of 45 to 55 cm, a spread of approximately 40 cm, and maturity in 12 to 14 weeks. Its distinctive appearance and excellent garden performance earned a Fleuroselect Gold Medal. This mealycup sage suits borders, flower beds, containers, and cut flowers. For firm stems, grow it in sun or light partial shade and humus-rich, well-drained soil. Cut faded spikes above a healthy branch to encourage continued flowering, and place harvested stems promptly in clean water. Repeating plants makes the bicolour pattern especially visible in summer beds.

Can Fairy Queen be grown in a container?

Fairy Queen grows well in a stable container at least 35 cm wide with open drainage holes. Use one plant per pot to accommodate its branched 45-to-55-cm habit. Fill the container with an airy mix, place it in full sun, and water when the surface begins to dry without leaving water in the saucer. Feed lightly because excessive nitrogen favours leaves at the expense of sapphire-blue and white flower spikes. Remove faded flowers to extend bloom and rotate the pot regularly for balanced light. Check moisture more often during hot or windy periods, while still avoiding permanently wet roots. Keep enough space around the container for pollinators to approach the tubular flowers safely.

Is Fairy Queen edible or safe for pets?

Fairy Queen is sold as an ornamental and cut flower; no food use is validated for this packet. The consulted sources do not provide a cultivar-specific veterinary classification for Salvia farinacea. As a precaution, prevent animals from consuming seeds or large amounts of foliage, especially when the plant has received fertilizer or another horticultural treatment. Any plant material may cause digestive discomfort in a sensitive animal. Following substantial ingestion or persistent symptoms, contact a veterinarian and provide the botanical name, possible amount consumed, and list of products applied in the garden or container. Store the seed packet securely out of pets’ reach.