When to plant Salvia in Rush County, KS
Plant Salvia in Rush County during the brief April 24–May 8 window. With 174 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 15.
When to Plant Salvia in Rush County, KS
What to do in August
Welcome to August in Zone 6b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Pick salvia
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
A few tasks this August that'll pay off in September
- First harvests: salvia
Salvia splendens is a tender perennial from Brazil grown as a warm-season annual throughout the US. Its vivid, upright flower spikes in brilliant red, purple, and coral are irresistible to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. One of the longest-blooming annuals in the landscape — plants bloom from early summer until hard frost with minimal deadheading required.
Rush County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 759 feet, Rush County receives approximately 21.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Salvia during the growing season.
Rush County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Salvia Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Rush County
How your county's soil matches Salvia's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–7.3) overlaps with Salvia's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Rush County is excellent for Salvia — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.4%). Annual compost additions will help Salvia.
How to Plant Salvia
Succession Planting Salvia
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 17 to harvest before frost.
Salvia Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Salvia
Salvia needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Salvia Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Rush County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Salvia Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Salvia Planting Timeline — Rush County, KS
Salvia Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Bloom | July 3 | Jul 3 – Oct 16 |
· 12" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
174 days in Rush County
Growing Tips for Salvia in Rush County
Direct sow Salvia outdoors after April 24 in Rush County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Rush County receives only 22" of rain annually. Salvia needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost; seeds need 65-70°F soil and light to germinate (surface-sow, do not cover). Transplant after last frost when soil has warmed. Salvia is frost-sensitive — even a light frost kills plants. Pinch spent spikes to encourage continued bloom. Tolerates heat and humidity well once established. In zones 9b-11b can be grown as a short-lived perennial.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Salvia in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Salvia in Rush County, KS?
Rush County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Salvia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Rush County, KS?
Rush County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 15.
When should I plant Salvia in Rush County, KS?
In Rush County, KS, plant Salvia after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 15). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Rush County, KS for Salvia?
Rush County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Salvia grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Salvia grow in Rush County's climate?
Yes — Salvia grows well in Rush County's temperate climate. Rush County averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 15.
Your Rush County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Rush County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.