Painted tongue was a favorite of the Victorians who loved its rich, jewel tones in gold, red, pink, blue and many other colors and patterns, even herringbone. This annual (grows just one year) reaches up to 3-feet tall. It's delightful as a cut flower, in historic gardens or any place you'd like to have something a bit unusual.
Look for painted tongue at your local greenhouse. If they don't have it, it's best to start it from seed indoors 10 to 12 weeks before your region's last frost date. Painted tongue is very much a cool-season annual that does best before hot, humid weather hits.
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Choose a spot with full sun to light shade and moist but well-drained soil.
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Transplant seedlings into the garden about two weeks before your region's last frost date.
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Mulch to keep the roots cooler longer.
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Keep soil evenly moist.
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Pinch off spent blooms to promote further flowering.
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Discard plants when they get ragged after heat hits.
Tips & Warnings
In regions with very mild winters - Zones 9 to 11 on the U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Map - painted tongue can be planted in the fall for winter color.
Painted tongue appreciates a spadeful or two of compost worked into the soil.
Painted tongue does best in regions with long periods of cool weather, especially the Pacific Northwest. It's not recommended for hot, dry regions.
