Flower, Painted Tongue

(Salpiglossis sinuata) Spectacular Chilean relative of the petunia, introduced in 1824. Branching 12-24″ stems with 2″ striped trumpet-shaped flowers in a wide range of almost metallic colors. Salpiglossis comes from two Greek words meaning trumpet and tongue, referring to the velvet-like blossoms. Annual.

Instructions – Sow seeds indoors just beneath the surface of the soil. Seeds do best when allowed to germinate in darkness. Plant out when danger of frost has passed in late spring. Plants do well in average soil. May require staking.