Salpiglossis sinuata

‘Black Trumpets’

BLACK PAINTED TRUMPETS

Salpiglossis sinuata ‘Black Trumpets’
BLACK PAINTED TRUMPETS

Salpiglossis sinuata ‘Black Trumpets’ has the plushest, most wickedly black, most velvety flowers you can ever imagine.

Plush black velvet trumpets

The exotic blooms of Salpiglossis were all the rage in Edwardian gardens.
With their sumptuous velvety texture, and extravagantly rich colouring, Salpiglossis caught the flavour of the Edwardian era perfectly.

Highly fashionable again

They were highly fashionable for planting feature pots or mass planting in garden; cut for vases (they make splendid cut flowers in floristry); or competing on Edwardian show benches.
Then fashions changed and everyone forgot about Salpiglossis.
Now the darkly exotic Salpiglossis sinuata ‘Black Trumpets’ has captured the hearts of a new generation of gardeners, as the ultimate “Goth” plant.

Black velvet pencilled with gold

‘Black Trumpets’ blooms vary in their wicked darkness.
Some will be deepest burgundy red, some will be darkest wine-purple, and some will be devilishly black.
Some will be pencilled and veined with gold; while others will have gold dusted throats; and some just unblemished black velvet; but all will be lovely. 

Long blooming

Salpiglossis are quick to raise from seed to flowering, blooming approx. 3 months after sowing the seed.
In hot areas it is especially useful to sow seeds indoors in mid-winter, ready to plant out as soon as spring arrives and thus get maximum length of blooming.

Spectacular floristry flowers

Cutting blooms for floristry, or deadheading, keeps them in constant profuse blooming from mid-spring, through summer, and into autumn.
They make a spectacular show in floral arrangements, either as a vase full by themselves, or mixed in with other flowers that contrast with their velvety dark looks.
Super mixed with white flowers.

Salpiglossis sinuata ‘Black Trumpets’ are easily grown

Plants prefer a partly shaded position in hot districts, with some afternoon shade.
Or full sun in cooler summer regions.
They thrive with 6 or more hours of sunlight per day.
They are also well adapted to deal with summer humidity providing they have afternoon shade, as well as short periods of drying out.
So Salpiglossis are spectacular in pots, used as a bold feature in the garden, and field grown commercially for floristry.
They are low maintenance plants.

Water wise

Salpiglossis sinuata ‘Black Trumpets’ are also not particularly thirsty plants.
While they are not drought proof for long periods, they do thrive on just moderate, average garden watering.

Not fussy about soil type

They also prosper in a wide range of soils, providing the ground is well drained.
So they can be planted in sandy or gravel soils; garden loam or potting mix; and even clay based soils.
They also adapt to a wide range of soil pH, from acid to alkaline.

Light feeders

Salpiglossis need only light feeding and moderately fertile soil.
So an application of slow release fertilizer as they are planted, and again as they come in to bloom will keep them happy.
Do not overfeed or they will make more foliage at the expense of flowers.

Bees, butterflies & nectar seeking birds adore the big trumpets

Salpiglossis sinuata ‘Black Trumpets’ are made to attract our friendly pollinators.
While the very long blooming provides a constant procession of nectar-rich trumpets to feed them for months.  

Self sows for future years

Salpiglossis sinuata ‘Black Trumpets’ is an easy, fast growing annual, which can also self-sow for future years given favourable sites – so leave some heads to go to seed later in autumn.
45-60cm High x 30-45cm. Wide.

SEED SOWING ADVICE

Salpiglossis sinuata ‘Black Trumpets’ can be sown from late winter to mid spring outdoors / or at any time indoors when suitable temperatures can be provided.
They can be scattered directly in the garden where they are to grow / or raised indoors in punnets for early plants and quick flowering.

In hot areas it is especially useful to sow in mid-winter, ready to plant out as soon as spring arrives and get maximum length of blooming. 

Sow indoors for rapid & maximum germination: First sow the seeds on the surface good quality seed raising mix.
And pat gently to ensure good contact
Then only very lightly sprinkle with sieved seed mix, or fine vermiculite, as light aids germination.

Now soak the sown punnet in a shallow water bath, so the moisture percolates up from below through to the surface of the mix.

Then place in a warm, well lit place (not in any direct sunlight), or place on a heat mat.
Temperatures of 18-25C are best for rapid and optimum germination.
A position that gets maximum daylight hours (not direct sunlight) is an advantage.

Continue to keep consistently moist by misting from a water-spray bottle.
And covering with a clear lid or plastic bag will also help to maintain consistent moisture and humidity.

Seeds germinate in 14 to 30 days approx.

Growing the seedlings on

Once the seeds have begun to sprout, remove the plastic cover.
And once the seedlings have developed first true leaves, pot the seedlings on to harden off and mature, before finally planting out in the garden.
Once they are in pots the seedlings they can be allowed to dry out a little between watering, so they develop strong, sturdy, branching growth.
This makes them even better as cut flowers.

Seed Count: 30 seeds per pack approx.
(We always aim to exceed the seed count and give a generous serve)

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