Salpiglossis

Family. Solanaceae.

Origin. Chile.

Description. The genus "salpiglossis" consists of ornamental flowering annual or perennial plants. The leaves are green, elliptical or spear-shaped, with slight pubescence. The leaf blades are thin and have slightly wavy, jagged edges. The flowers are large, funnel-shaped, with fused velvety petals, very bright, one-color or two- and three-color, in shades of yellow, red, purple, white, burgundy, up to 8 cm in diameter.

Height. Miniature varieties and hybrids reach 30 - 60 cm.

Planting and care

Growing from seeds 

Easily propagated by seeds. The sowing time depends on the desired flowering period. The timing of planting flowers depends on the desired flowering time. Plants planted in spring will bloom in late summer and autumn, sowing seeds in autumn will produce flowering in spring. The seeds must be covered with a small layer of soil or black plastic, since they need darkness to germinate. At temperatures around 22 - 25 ° C, germination takes 2 - 3 weeks. Seedling picking is carried out when young plants reach a height of 10 cm, at the same time they should pinch the tops for better branching.

Salpiglossis at home 

Place plants outside in warmer months, sheltered from wind and sun. Long stems of tall varieties break easily and require support. 

Flowering time

In indoor conditions, flowering occurs depending on the timing of plant sowing - spring sowing leads to summer flowering, plants planted in autumn will bloom in early spring.

Diseases and pests 

Salpiglossis will not bloom if grown in partial shade, the flowering period will not occur if kept in rooms with too high air temperature. Stems rot if there is insufficient air movement and spraying in the evening.

Aphids sometimes appear as pests. 

Temperature

The flower does not like intense summer heat and prefers cool conditions at temperatures no higher than 18° C.

Lighting

Salpiglossis domestica prefers a well-lit place with access to direct sunlight in the morning and evening for 3 hours daily. 

Soil

Well-drained soil, a mixture of 3 parts peat and 1 part perlite or coarse river sand is suitable. 

Fertilizer

Feed the bush every two weeks during the period of active growth, and it will definitely thank you with lush and long-lasting flowering.

Watering 

Water with warm water that has been left to stand for 24 hours, allowing the soil to dry out to half its depth before each subsequent watering. Salpiglossis will tolerate a short-term drought rather than even a small flood.

Transfer

The flower is often grown as an annual plant that does not require replanting.

Spraying 

No special requirements. You can spray in the morning if the air has become too dry.  Provide a place where there is good air circulation. 

Purpose

Depending on the time of sowing the seeds, you can get a beautiful flowering plant at any time of the year. It is perfect for landscaping balconies, loggias and terraces. Flowers are used for cutting and do not lose their attractive appearance in water for a long time.

Note

Perhaps no flowering plant can compare with salpiglossis in the brightness of colors and size of flowers.

Varieties:

Salpiglossis sinuata

Annual flowering plants up to 90 cm high with large funnel-shaped flowers in red, orange, burgundy, purple, yellow, dark blue or pink. The leaves are green, 5-10 cm long, oblong-lanceolate, leaf blades often have denticles.