How to Grow Painted Tongue Flowers
Annual, Salpiglossis Sinuata
Painted Tongue is a hardy annual flower plant, that grows best in cool weather.
You will grow best in spring and fall, and slowly in hot summer months. Plants
are native to Chile in South America.
Painted Tongue plants have lance-shaped leaves. with five-lobed, cornet shaped
flowers. Colors include shades of orange, red, pink, violet and yellow. Cooler
weather will prolong blooms.
Did You Know? Painted Tongue is a member of the Solanaceae family.
This includes petunias, peppers and tomatoes.
Other Names: Peacock Flame, Velvet Trumpet Flower, Scalloped Tube
Here's how to grow Painted Tongue plants from seeds:
Sow seeds indoors four to six weeks before the last frost. We highly recommend
a heated germination mat, to
increase the speed of germination, and for a higher germination rate.
Plants can also be started directly into your flower bed. Sow seeds after
the last frost when the soil begins to warm.
Garden Tip: Seeds need consistent moisture to germinate.
Days to Germination: 14 - 21, normally. It can take up to 30 days.
Plant Height: 24"-36, Dwarf varieties grow 12"-18"
How to Grow Painted Tongue Plants:
Grow this plant in cooler climates, It will not grow well in hot, humid southerly
areas of the country.
Plants grow best in full sun to light shade.
Painted Tongue will grow in average soils. The soil should be well drained.
Plants do not need a lot of fertilizer. For average soils, apply light
applications every 4-6 weeks.
Water plants during dry spells, and especially in hot weather.
Mulch around plants to keep weeds down, and to retain soil moisture.
Pinch back growing tips when the plant is young,. This will promote a bushier
Provide support for this stems, as high winds can knock them over.
Dead head spend blooms, to prolong flowering.
Flowers Bloom: Spring thru mid summer, and again in Fall
Insect and Disease:
Aphids can be an occasional problems. Disease problems are uncommon.
If insect or disease problems occur, treat early with organic or chemical
insect repellents and fungicide.