Salpiglossis Royale Cultural Information

Introduction

Salpiglossis makes an extremely attractive bedding plant that forms a large bushy plant, which is covered in exotic, veined, trumpet shaped flowers. Related to the Petunia, it can be grown in much the same way, but it is well suited to pot bedding regimes, when the plants full splendour can be appreciated. However, to achieve maximum effect, the plants should be bedded out before they are in full colour. Sell the plants just as soon as colour can be seen in the buds, perhaps using a colour label to give an extra sales push.

F1 SALPIGLOSSIS ROYALE is a dwarf and very basal branching series, which makes an excellent bedding plant, not only because of its habit, but also because of the stiff stems and showy flowers. The individual colours are bright, most flowers having a network of contrasting veins and yellow throats. Royale also makes a superb container plant and if three plants are planted together in a 30 or 35cm (12" or 15") tub, the effect is breathtaking.

Sowing and Germination

With a seed count of between 4,500 and 5,000 seeds per gram (127,500 –142,000 per ounce), precision sowing of natural seed is very feasible. However Floranova has developed a pelleted form, which will allow direct seeding into plugs using equipment set up for Petunia pellets (Salpiglossis pellets are about the same size, if a little heavier than Petunia pellets). The bright green pellet is dust free, instantly water-soluble and can be seen very clearly on the compost.

Sow directly into small plugs using a low nutrient media and cover to the depth of the seed with compost or vermiculite. Place under lights on a heated bench, or into a growth chamber, with a media temperature of between 18 and 24oC (65-75oF). Ensure that the germinating seed is kept moist at all times.

Supplementary light can be used to extend the daylength beyond 14hours and help to improve seedling quality.

Initial germination will take about 5days, after which time the plug trays should be removed from the Growth Room. During the next 7 – 10 days the cotyledons will fully expand. Maintain a night temperature of 18C-20oC (65F-70oF), and ventilate during the day at 22oC (72oF).

Once the plants are well established the night-time minimum temperature can be reduced to 15oC (60oF) to ready the young plants for transplanting.

Growing On

Trials have shown us that to get the very best out of Royale, it should be sold as a pot bedding plant. Consequently, the final container should be a 10cm (4in.) pot rather than a pack. Pot the young plants on as soon as they fill the unit container and certainly before they become root bound. Pot up using a medium level nutrient compost and place in a night temperature of 10-15oC (50 – 60oF).

In order to produce a top quality plant, the growth has to be restricted, thereby ensuring the flowers start to open when the plant is 25-30cm (8-12") tall. Sowing in long days and maintaining a light, airy atmosphere, without excessive temperature or moisture levels, best restricts growth. This means growing the crop at a night temperature of 10oC (50oF) and maintaining good ventilation at all times, preferably in an unshaded glasshouse. Water as necessary, taking care that the crop dries out between waterings.

Once the plants are well established in the final container, regular liquid feeding is of benefit, using a well-balanced 1:1:1 (100ppm N) feed to begin with, changing to 1:0:3 as soon as the buds are visible.

Growth is extremely rapid once the first pair of true leaves has developed and therefore it may be necessary to apply growth regulators. Royale responds well to growth regulators at the locally recommended rate, applied as a high volume spray from about the third true leaf stage and then at two-weekly intervals, until the buds begin to break. No pinching or stopping is necessary.

Trials conducted here at Foxley suggest that when Royale is grown from sowing to flowering in long days (in excess of 14 hours) then the final height can be reduced.

Pests and Diseases

Salpiglossis are relatively trouble-free but Aphid and Whitefly will sometimes attack the young shoots and leaves. Regular monitoring is recommended and appropriate action taken if pathogens appear.
Root rots can be a problem if the plant is too wet or over potted so care when watering and potting is essential.