Sowing – Sow October indoors, or March to april outdoors.

Germinate at 20-30C (68-86F) on the surface of a free draining, damp seed compost, 3 seeds per 7.5cm (Sin) pot. Apply a layer of compost 1cm (½in) deep. Place in a propagator or seal container in a polythene bag until after germination which takes 10-21 days. Spring sowings can be sown outdoors, 2.5cm (1 in) deep in drills 7.5cm (3in) apart.

Growing – Overwinter October sown plants in cooler conditions such as a coldframe before planting out in spring when the ground has warmed, 23-3cm (9-12in) apart. Pinch out the growing point once the first or second pair of leaves has opened. Water freely during

Aftercare – Regular removal of spent flowers will encourage further blooms.

Flowers – Summer