When to Plant Salvia in Kinney County, TX
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.
Kinney County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 22 and the first fall frost is November 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 281 days.
At an elevation of 1,375 feet, Kinney County receives approximately 52.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 101°F, so Salvia may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Salvia will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Salvia root diseases.
Kinney County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Salvia Planting Timeline — Kinney County, TX
Salvia Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 28 | Dec 28 – Jan 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 1 | Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Bloom | April 12 | Apr 12 – Sep 27 |
· 12" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | — |
| April | Bloom |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
281 days in Kinney County
Growing Tips for Kinney County
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 Kinney County, TX?
Kinney County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 22. Plan your Salvia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kinney County, TX?
Kinney County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 22 and first fall frost is November 30.
Your Kinney County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Kinney County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.