When to Plant Salvia in Accomack County, VA
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.
Accomack County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 195 days.
At an elevation of 659 feet, Accomack County receives approximately 45.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Salvia during the growing season.
Accomack County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-7
Drainage
Well Drained
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 | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Accomack County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Salvia Planting Timeline — Accomack County, VA
Salvia Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Bloom | June 18 | Jun 18 – Nov 5 |
· 12" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | Bloom |
| December | — |
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 8a
📆 Growing Season
195 days in Accomack County
Growing Tips for Accomack 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 Accomack County, VA?
Accomack County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Salvia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Accomack County, VA?
Accomack County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 28.
Your Accomack County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Accomack County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.