Salpiglossis Bolero Mix

• Sow salpiglossis indoors 8 weeks before the growing season .
• Sow seed ¼ inch deep in seed starting formula. Be sure to cover and keep away from the light until the seeds germinate, as salpiglossis needs darkness in order to germinate.
• Keep the soil moist at 70-75 degrees F
• Seedlings emerge in 14-30 days
• As soon as seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light on a sunny windowsill or grow seedlings 3-4 inches beneath fluorescent plant lights turned on 16 hours per day, off for 8 hours at night. Raise the lights as the plants grow taller. Incandescent bulbs will not work for this process because they will get too hot. Most plants require a dark period to grow, do not leave lights on for 24 hours.
• Seedlings do not need much fertilizer, feed when they are 3-4 weeks old using a starter solution (half strength of a complete indoor houseplant food) according to manufacturer’s directions.
• If you are growing in small cells, you may need to transplant the seedlings to 3 or 4 inch pots when seedlings have at least 2 pairs of true leaves before transplanting to the garden so they have enough room to develop strong roots.
• Before planting in the garden, seedling plants need to be “hardened off”.
• packet 50 seeds

Transplanting in the Garden:

• Select a location in full sun with a rich, well-drained soil.

• Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 6-12, inches removing any debris, and lightly raking as level as possible.
• The addition of organic matter (leaf mold, compost, well-rotted manure) benefits all gardens and is essential in recently constructed neighborhoods.
• Space plants about 9-12 inches apart.
• Thoroughly water and apply a light mulch layer on top of the soil (1-2 inches) to conserve water and reduce weeds.

Growing Tips

• Salpiglossis tends to prefer cooler growing conditions.
• Salpiglossis can happily mingle with vegetables, and is a great cottage garden flower.
• Salpiglossis makes a beautiful cut flower.
• Regular deadheading promotes continuous bloom throughout the season.