I'm trying Salpiglossis from seed this year and they are like threads!  The germination wasn't too good but the plants were expensive and the greenhouse didn't have them last year.  One packet said they needed light to germinate and the other packet said to keep them in the dark.  I was confused....

They don't do the best here but they are beautiful flowers.  They say they like cool summers.  I'm hoping to try them in containers if I manage to raise them.

I have grown them for years, and yes they are a bit 'sensitive'.  For some reason, they used to thrive as annuals on the Maine Coast. The soil wasn't the best and they flourished. (Somewhat dry and almost too gravelly.)   When I tried the same in my humus rich soil, a couple miles inland, they had to work much too hard at standing strong and tall.  They do love sunshine, but it might be best to keep them cool for part of the day and not overdo the sun during the hottest time of the day.  As for the seedlings, you might want to shade them a bit with cardboard but keep them warm.  Not sure if that was any help, but welcome to the fan club!

Thanks, Sue.  I know our climate and soil are far from ideal but they are so pretty.  We just took one marked down the first year, I think.

If I get anything, I will be happy.  I read on one site that they (no idea where those people were) grew them near something else for support.

The "Kew Blue" seedlings look better than the Casino (think that was the other ones).  Of course, that isn't saying a lot :)