Can I prune it to get more flowers?

Yes, deadheading spent flower spikes encourages the plant to put energy into new blooms. Snip the old spikes off just above the next set of leaves.

Does heat affect flowering?

Extreme heat can cause the plant to pause flower production. Once temperatures drop back into the 70s to 80s, it should start blooming again.

Why is my Scarlet sage not flowering? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Measure the hours of direct sunlight the plant receives.
Check the fertilizer label for high nitrogen content.
Inspect the plant for signs of pest stress.

Likely causes

Insufficient light
Most likely
How to tell: The plant looks tall and thin with few buds. It is reaching toward the nearest light source.
What to do: Move your plant to a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sun. If it is indoors, place it in a south facing window.
Excess nitrogen
Possible
How to tell: The plant has lush, dark green foliage but zero flowers. You might have used a fertilizer meant for leafy greens.
What to do: Switch to a balanced fertilizer with a higher middle number, like 5-10-5. Apply it every 4 weeks during the growing season.

Other plants that won't flower

Find out what's wrong with your scarlet sage

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If your plant has not produced a single bloom by midsummer, it is likely not getting enough sun. A few missed spikes are normal if the plant is recovering from a transplant.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your Scarlet sage in full sun and use a bloom boosting fertilizer once the first buds appear.

Scarlet sage: not flowering? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your scarlet sage and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I prune it to get more flowers?: Yes, deadheading spent flower spikes encourages the plant to put energy into new blooms. Snip the old spikes off just above the next set of leaves.
Does heat affect flowering?: Extreme heat can cause the plant to pause flower production. Once temperatures drop back into the 70s to 80s, it should start blooming again.

Why is my Scarlet sage not flowering?