One of my favorite annuals to sprout from seed is Salvia ‘Evolution’. The seeds have an outstanding germination rate, and once the plants spring to life they need little fussing from me.
I never have to worry about the seedlings developing damping-off disease, and if some fool were to accidentally leave them on a heating mat and find them frighteningly shriveled up (I can’t image who would ever do such a thing…), all it takes is a thorough drink of water and they spring back to life unharmed.
‘Evolution’ is very similar in habit to ‘Victoria’, but the color of the flowers is much more dark and rich. They are just as easy to grow in the garden as they are to sprout from seed. They aren’t bothered by pests or diseases and even the rabbits, earwigs and Japanese beetles ignore them.
‘Evolution’ is a great middle-of-the-border annual. The plants grow 18 inches tall and will thrive equally well in full sun or part-shade. I like to plant the dark purple blooms next to pink or red flowers (like Salvia ‘Lady in Red’). They can also cool down fiery oranges and bright yellows such as zinnias, calendulas, marigolds or rudbeckias.
