Sale
Sold out
Bare seeds
Lamiaceae
Ornamental flowers seeds
Vista™ Red scarlet sage (Salvia splendens)
Product code : 61-7536-010
Vista™ Red scarlet sage is a compact, well-branched and highly floriferous annual for summer gardens. It produces bright-red spikes from June through September and is especially attractive to pollinators. Plants reach 25 to 30 cm tall and may spread approximately 20 cm. The packet contains approximately 40 bare seeds. Sow indoors six weeks before transplanting at approximately 21 to 24°C; germination takes 8 to 12 days and maturity 8 to 10 weeks. Transplant after frost in full sun and humus-rich, well-drained soil. Water regularly until establishment, then when the surface dries. Removing faded spikes supports continued flowering in beds, borders, and decorative patio containers.
- Quantity
- Approximately 40 bare seeds
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Life cycle
- Annual
Discover the plant
Common nameVista™ Red scarlet sage
FamilyLamiaceae
GenusSalvia
Speciessplendens
CultivarVista Red
TypeBare seeds
Botanical nameSalvia splendens
Vista™ Red scarlet sage (Salvia splendens) is a compact, well-branched and highly floriferous annual for summer gardens. Its bright-red tubular flower spikes continue from June through September and are especially attractive to pollinators, while bees and butterflies also visit. Plants reach approximately 25 to 30 cm tall and may spread approximately 20 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 bright-red display without overwhelming nearby lower-growing flowers.
The W.H. Perron packet, product code 61-7536-010, contains approximately 40 bare seeds. Sow indoors about six 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 21 to 24°C and even moisture without waterlogging the medium. Germination takes 8 to 12 days, followed by maturity in approximately 8 to 10 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 20 to 25 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 scarlet 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.
Sowing guide
It all startswith a seed.
Sowing depth
Surface sow; do not cover because light supports germination
Spacing / density
20 to 25 cm between plants
Germination temperature
Approximately 21 to 21 to 24°C
Germination time
8 to 12 days
Sowing period
Indoors approximately 6 weeks before the last frost; transplant 7 to 10 days after the last ground frost
Propagation
Seed
Growing method
Sow Vista™ Red indoors approximately six 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 21 to 24°C and even moisture without waterlogging the medium. Emergence takes 8 to 12 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 20 to 25 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
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Light, dry to moderately moist, well-drained soil
Minimum temperature
Frost tender during annual production
Care level
Easy
Watering
Keep the seed-starting mix evenly moist during germination without saturating it. After transplanting, water every two or three days until roots establish. Then allow the surface to begin drying before watering deeply at soil level. Vista™ Red tolerates short dry periods once rooted, but prolonged drought reduces flowering. Avoid standing water and frequent overhead irrigation. Containers dry faster than garden soil, so check them more often during hot or windy weather while still allowing air to reach the root zone.
Soil type
This scarlet sage prefers humus-rich, loose, very well-drained soil. Moderate fertility supports branching and flowering without producing excessive foliage. Incorporate a small amount of mature compost where soil is poor, but avoid abundant nitrogen. In containers, use an airy mix and keep drainage holes open. Avoid low spots where water collects because salvia roots are sensitive to persistent moisture. Full sun and good air movement help plants remain compact and reduce conditions favourable to foliar disease outdoors locally.
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.
Moisture
Consistent without saturation
Seasonal care
In spring, sow Vista Red indoors approximately six 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 full sun after all frost danger has passed, spacing plants 20 to 25 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. Vista Red 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 sunny 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.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
Container at least 30 cm wide with drainage
Vista Red performs well in containers because of its compact 25-to-30-cm habit. Choose a stable pot at least 25 to 30 cm wide with open drainage holes and use an airy potting mix. Grow one plant in a small container or space several plants 20 to 25 cm apart in a larger planter. Place the container in full sun. 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 Vista Red 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.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
25 to 30 cm (9.8 to 11.8 in)
Width / spread
20 to 25 cm (7.9 to 9.8 in)
Flower color
Bright red
Foliage color
Very dark green
Foliage type
Green foliage
Growth rate
Moderate
Growth habit
Compact and early
Fragrance
No particular fragrance confirmed
Bloom period
Vista™ Red generally flowers from June through September, depending on sowing date and region. Upright spikes carry numerous bright-red tubular flowers that are especially attractive to pollinators. Maturity takes approximately 8 to 10 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
8 to 10 weeks
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Combine Vista™ Red with white sweet alyssum, yellow marigolds, zinnias, low ornamental grasses, or silver foliage plants that also appreciate sun and good drainage. Bright red stands out particularly well beside white or yellow flowers. Allow 20 to 25 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 bright-red 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 bright-red blooms remain visible and accessible.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
What is in a Vista Red salvia packet?
The W.H. Perron packet, product code 61-7536-010, contains approximately 40 bare Vista Red scarlet 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. Seed later collected in the garden may produce less-uniform plants when several compatible salvias flower nearby, so Vista Red is primarily selected for the consistency provided by the original packet. Keep the stored packet away from humidity, heat, and direct sunlight before the planned sowing date.
How should Vista Red salvia be sown successfully?
Sow Vista Red indoors approximately six weeks before transplanting in clean, light, well-drained seed-starting mix. Press the small seeds onto the surface, cover them very lightly, then maintain approximately 21 to 21 to 24°C and even moisture without waterlogging the medium. Germination generally takes 8 to 12 days under favourable conditions. After emergence, provide abundant light and good air movement. Harden plants gradually for one week, then transplant after all frost danger has passed. Choose full sun, keep the crown level with the surrounding soil, and space plants 20 to 25 cm apart to preserve their compact, well-branched habit.
What size and flowering display should be expected?
Vista Red forms a compact, upright, well-branched plant with dense bright-red spikes above dark green foliage. PanAmerican Seed lists a height of 25 to 30 cm, a spread of approximately 20 cm, and spacing of 20 to 25 cm. The Vista series is valued for outdoor performance, heat tolerance, and uniform flowering. This scarlet sage suits edging, flower beds, and containers. For a tidy display, grow it in full sun and fertile, moist but well-drained soil, then cut faded spikes above a healthy branch to encourage continued flowering through the warm season. Regular deadheading helps preserve the dense display in summer containers and beds.
Can Vista Red be grown in a container?
Vista Red grows well in a stable container at least 35 cm wide with open drainage holes. Use one plant per pot to accommodate its branched 25-to-30-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 bright-red 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 Vista Red edible or safe for pets?
Vista Red is sold as an ornamental flower; no food use is validated for this packet. The consulted sources do not provide a cultivar-specific veterinary classification for Salvia splendens. 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.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Supporting wildlife
The bright-red spikes of Vista™ Red provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other visiting insects. Group several plants in sun and avoid insecticides on open flowers to protect these pollinators. Activity varies with region, weather, flowering stage, and other nectar sources available nearby seasonally.
For a great start to your seeds
The right extras.Right here.
Seed Starting Soil
Shop the collectionSeed starting supplies
Shop the collection
