Salpiglossis (Salpiglossis) is an annual or multicolored flower belonging to the Solanaceae family. The genus has about 20 species. Areas of South America are considered the homeland of the plant. Most of the specimens are native to Chile. Salpiglossis translated from Greek means "pipe" and "tongue", which characterizes the shape of the flower. The people also call him "pipe-speaking". As a cultural representative of the flora, the plant began to grow about two centuries ago.
Description of the salpiglossis flower
For garden cultivation use salpiglossis notched, the straight stems of which can reach a meter in height. The surface of the shoots is sticky to the touch and covered with short bristly hairs. The leaves located near the base of the shoots are larger and more oblong, and the leaf blades of the upper tier are narrow and sessile. The multi-colored buds open about 5 cm in diameter during flowering.The petals are lined with a marble pattern in the form of golden or brown veins. Flowering begins in early summer and lasts for 3-4 months. The shiny cups look like small bells. In place of wilted buds, oval-shaped seed pods are formed. The seeds can retain their germination property for 5 years. For our climatic latitudes, both annual and biennial varieties are suitable.
Growing salpiglossis from seeds
Sowing seeds
Salpiglossis reproduces well with seeds, which are sent in spring to containers filled with light and nutritious soil. They are evenly distributed over the substrate and lightly pressed to the surface, without falling asleep with earth. Then the planting containers are covered with polyethylene or glass and left for germination on the windowsills in a room at room temperature. To speed up the formation of the first young leaves, a paper sheet is laid on the film, thus protecting the seedlings from sunburn.
Seedlings of salpiglossis
Seedlings are regularly ventilated and the accumulation of condensate under the film is wiped. The emergence of seedlings begins a few weeks after sowing. The glass or film is removed gradually, increasing the time interval, so the seedlings will have time to get used to the environment and will be able to grow stronger.
When the first pair of healthy leaves appears on the surface of the soil, the seedlings dive into separate containers. It is necessary to share the seedlings with each other very carefully, since they have a poorly developed root system. As a rule, seedlings take root in a new place for a long time. Noticing the rapid growth of shoots, it is recommended to break the tops of the plants to form a beautiful and lush bush. Watering is carried out in moderation. Too dry or wet soil at the same time has a negative effect on flower development.
Planting salpiglossis in open ground
The best time for such events is mid-May.When frosts recede into the background, and the soil has already warmed up properly. An illuminated place, sheltered from drafts, is chosen as a site. The soil should have a neutral or slightly acidic environment.
Before you start planting, you need to dig up the area and enrich the soil with peat, sand or ash. The depth of the holes depends on the size of the rhizome. The distances between the holes adhere to at least 25 cm. It is important to keep the earthy ball by removing the seedlings from the container. At the end of planting, salpiglossis bushes, transplanted to a permanent growing site, are watered. Since the roots of the plant are very fragile, transplanting is done carefully.
Salpiglossis care in the garden
Growing salpiglossis is not a troublesome task, however, it should be remembered that the flower does not tolerate frost and drought well. During the summer season, watering is carried out almost every day. In the evening, after the sultry heat, it is recommended to spray the leaves of the plant. Only settled water is used for irrigation. The soil surface around the bushes is loosened.
Weeds that inhibit plant growth must be removed. To ensure good branching of the shoots and improve flowering, it is important to take time to pinch and collect wilted buds. Such simple actions make it possible to extend the flowering of salpiglossis until October.
The introduction of mineral dressing is carried out a couple of times a year. Ash is an excellent organic fertilizer for salpiglossis.
Salpiglossis after flowering
Perennial varieties of salpiglossis can be grown exclusively in regions with a warm climate. In other latitudes, cultivated flower species live only one season. When the first frosts come, the plant's root system dies. Some gardeners manage to transplant a flower into a pot for indoor growing in the fall. However, not all specimens take root, because, as mentioned earlier, salpiglossis responds poorly to transplantation.
Diseases and pests
Being in the open field, the flower is susceptible to stem or root rot disease. As a result, the plant dies. As soon as the first signs of the disease became apparent, the bushes are treated with fungicide solutions and watering is reduced. In advanced cases, treatment will not work, so sick and infected specimens will have to be collected and burned.
The greatest danger among pests is aphid. Only acaricidal drugs help to solve the problem.
Types and varieties of salpiglossis
As a horticultural crop, there is only one type of flower salpiglossis notched. Breeders managed to derive other forms from this species:
- Salpiglossis grandiflorum - one of the highest varieties, which is distinguished by a special branching of shoots and large buds;
- Salpiglossis superbissima - with corrugated petals;
- Salpiglossis low - its shoots reach a height of no more than half a meter. During flowering, the bush seems to be strewn with multi-colored bells.
Hybrid representatives of salpiglossis are no less popular among gardeners:
- Kew Blue - this is a short flower, the buds of which are painted in a bright pink tone, and the petals are covered with a net of golden veins;
- Casino mix - a plant with multi-colored buds, stems can grow from 45 to 50 cm long. Adult bushes need additional support near the shoots;
- Festival and Flamenco - one of the shortest varieties of salpiglossis;
- Bolero - characterized by abundant flowering and straight, strong shoots;
- Salpiglossis Ali Baba - rare flowers that keep freshness for a long time when cut and are often used by florists;
- Corduroy dolly - has beautiful velvet buds;
- Fireworks - it is distinguished by bright and lush flowering, the flower cups are painted in rich lilac and pink shades;
- Magic - the stems can grow up to 60 cm, the flowers are mostly red or white, a net of yellow veins is visible on the petals.
