| Common Name | Salpiglossis, Painted Tongue |
| Genus | Salpiglossis |
| Species | Salpiglossis sinuata |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Life Cycle | Annual in most of the USA; may act as short-lived perennial in Zones 9-10 |
| Tray Size | 125 |
| Plug Care | Harden off and transplant plugs promptly after arrival. Keep soil evenly moist but avoid over- or underwatering while still in their plug trays. Any stress experienced by the sensitive plugs at this stage may cause them to stunt or flower prematurely, lowering the overall performance of the crop. |
| Netting / Staking | One layer of Hortonova or similar netting is recommended as support. Salpiglossis (under ideal conditions) get quite tall and can become top-heavy when in flower, especially in areas that are prone to strong winds. |
| Temperature Range | Thrives in temperatures of 60-75°F. Protect plants from frost and extreme heat. These are the "Goldilocks" of the plant world, loving mild temperatures and disliking extremes on either side. Salpiglossis can be grown across the USA, but growers in milder zones (or in zones with mild winters) can likely produce the best quality cuts. |
| Spacing | Space plants 9-12" apart to allow for proper airflow and room for growth. Some growers suggest planting closer will encourage long stems, but in wet and humid areas, cramped conditions can promote fungal and foliar diseases. |
| Soil Preference | Prefers fertile, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Add organic matter to improve soil structure if needed. Irrigate regularly to keep soil moist (not saturated) and fertilize frequently with a balanced fertilizer for the best quality stems. |
| Day Length | Facultative long-day plants; salpiglossis flower best under long-days but will flower under most photoperiods. They require full sun for best quality cutting material. |
| Pinching | Not necessary. Under ideal conditions, these plants will be large and well-branched. |
| When to Plant | Plant in the early spring, up to a couple of weeks before your last frost date. These plants prefer a long, cool establishment period, but need to be protected from any late frosts or freezes. In southern zones (9+), you can plant in the fall or through the winter. The best climates for these plants would be cool and coastal. |
| Harvesting | Harvest stems when a couple of flowers are open and the rest are still in bud. Buds will continue to open in the vase. The one downside to harvesting these plants is that the stems are sticky, similarly to petunias or nicotiana (they're in the same nightshade family). |
| Post Harvest Care | Cut stems should immediately be placed into a bucket of cool water. Condition in the cooler for a few hours to ensure cut stems are hydrated before use. Expect a vase life of approximately a week - a floral conditioner may help maximize vase life. |
| Diseases / Insects | Susceptible to the common plant pests such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Prevent infestations by maintaining good air circulation and inspecting plants regularly. Diseases such as botrytis and root rot can occur in poorly drained soils; ensure proper drainage and avoid overhead watering. |
| Bailey's Notes | These were one of my favorite flowers to grow as a kid. The have the most intriguing patterns and stripes and the colors are dazzling. These two special selections have colors seldom seen in flowers, and they are suitable as cut flowers. Are they they most ideal cut flower you'll ever grow? Probably not. They are sticky. I don't like touching them. But if you can get past that, these are sure to turn heads and delight designers. |
| Resources |
Royal Horticultural Society (RHS): Salpiglossis Care Profile North Carolina State Extension: Salpiglossis sinuata Growing Tips |