Select a container with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. A medium to large pot works best, giving the plant plenty of room to grow.
Use a well-draining potting mix. Hummingbirds love plants that thrive in moist but not soggy soil, so ensure the soil doesn’t retain too much water.
Plant the red salvia in early spring after the last frost. Make sure to place the seedlings or seeds in a spot that gets plenty of sunlight—at least 6 hours a day.
Keep the soil moist but not too wet. Water when the top inch of the soil feels dry, but avoid letting the plant sit in standing water.
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms that will attract hummingbirds.
Remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms. This will keep your plant looking fresh and will keep attracting hummingbirds to your garden.
Position your container plant near other flowers or feeders that attract hummingbirds. Bright-colored flowers, especially red, are irresistible to them.
Salvia grows best in warm temperatures, so keep your container plant in a place where it’s protected from frost and extreme heat.