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This guide is for gardeners seeking exotic, long-flowering annuals for borders, beds, and cut flower arrangements. The 'Tora Staring Eyes' variety offers a key benefit of striking, velvety, trumpet-shaped blooms in rich shades of red, purple, gold, and violet, each with vivid, stained-glass veining. A potential caveat is their need for a sunny, sheltered spot to thrive.
| Model Part Number | Tora Staring Eyes |
|---|---|
| Brand | Unwins |
Sow indoors between February and April for flowering from July to September.
It prefers full sun and a sheltered location. Good drainage is also important.
Allow approximately 30cm (12 inches) between plants to ensure adequate space for growth and air circulation.
While direct sowing is possible in warmer climates after the last frost, starting indoors provides a head start and generally better results for flowering time.
Regular deadheading of spent flowers will encourage the plant to produce more blooms throughout the flowering season.
Salpiglossis 'Tora Staring Eyes' is a summer annual, meaning it completes its life cycle in one year.
It describes the texture of the flower petals, which have a soft, matte, and luxurious feel akin to velvet.
Ensure seeds are kept consistently warm (15-20°C) and moist. Check that the vermiculite covering is not too thick and that light can reach the seeds if specified for this variety (though typically covered).
Provide adequate light. Ensure seedlings are not overcrowded and are kept in a cooler environment after germination if kept in a propagator.
Check sunlight exposure; the plant needs full sun. Ensure consistent watering and regular feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Provide support if necessary, especially in windy areas. Ensure plants are spaced adequately to allow for good air circulation and prevent overcrowding.
Sowing Indoors: Begin by filling a seed tray with seed compost, firming it gently. Water thoroughly with a fine rose sprayer. Scatter the seeds thinly and cover them with a thin layer of vermiculite. Place the tray in a propagator set to 15–20°C, or cover the tray with cling film and keep it in a warm room until germination.
Growing On / Planting Out: Once seedlings are large enough to handle, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions over 2–3 weeks. Plant them out in their final positions from early summer onwards, ensuring a spacing of at least 30cm between plants.
Aftercare: Water plants regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Apply a liquid plant food periodically according to product instructions. To encourage continuous flowering, deadhead spent blooms regularly.
Compatibility: Thrives in full sun and prefers a sheltered spot, making it compatible with sunny garden borders, well-drained beds, and containers. It benefits from well-draining soil.
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