Salpiglossis sinuata Tora Red seeds - Painted Tongue

Salpiglossis sinuata 'Tora Red' is a spectacular variety, awarded for its originality with the Fleuroselect "Approved Novelty" label. It stands out with its large, vividly coloured funnel-shaped flowers. Nicknamed the Velvet Trumpet, it makes a striking addition to sunny borders, beds, and flowering containers. Sown early under cover, it flowers abundantly from June to September. The coated seeds allow for easy and homogeneous sowing.

Salpiglossis sinuata 'Tora Red' is a plant from the Solanaceae family, just like tomatoes and petunias. It is also known as "painted tongue" or "changing flower salpiglossis". The species, Salpiglossis sinuata, is native to southern Chile, where it grows in open prairies, forest edges, and disturbed areas. Although perennial in its native habitat, it is commonly grown as an annual in temperate climates due to its sensitivity to frost.

The 'Tora Red' cultivar was developed by Takii Europe and is part of the "Tora" series, which is characterised by 5 cm diameter flowers with intense, veined colours. This series is valued for its uniform flowering and horticultural performance.
'Tora Red' produces intense pink-red flowers with a yellow centre and dark red veins. The plant has an upright, bushy habit, reaching approximately 45 cm in height with a 30 cm spread. Its growth is rapid, and flowering is abundant from July to September. The flowers are funnel-shaped with five lobes and have a velvety texture. They are borne in terminal clusters and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The foliage consists of lanceolate, medium green, 7 to 15 cm long leaves with wavy or toothed margins. The leaves and stems are slightly hairy and sticky to the touch. The plant produces dry capsules containing fine seeds, which can be harvested for sowing the following year.

Salpiglossis sinuata 'Tora Red' is particularly prized in containers for its shimmering colours and long flowering period. It is also widely used in cottage-style gardens, especially as a border plant. This colourful plant pairs well with bidens, diascas in peach or pink tones, or morning glories with purple foliage to create highly colourful pot compositions. In the ground, it pairs perfectly with white gaura, chocolate cosmos, or love-in-a-mist.

The coated seeds are covered with a thin layer of natural material, often clay-based, which facilitates their handling and sowing. This coating improves seed visibility and promotes more uniform germination. It may also contain nutrients or protective agents to support the young seedling in its early stages of development.