A half hardy annual with flower heads that resemble shaving brushes.

It generally grows from around 100mm (4”) to 250mm (10”) high depending upon variety.

This makes it a suitable subject for edging borders and island beds.

Sowing to flowering is generally around 13 weeks

Week 12; Sow seed in trays/pots of seed compost and lightly cover with vermiculite, and germinate at around 21°C (70°F)

They should take around a week to germinate.

Week 16; If large enough to handle, prick out into 50mm (2”) cells or in trays 50mm (2”) apart.

Grow on in a frost free environment until planting out time

Week 22; Plant out 200mm (8”) apart in a sunny position in a moisture retentative soil, dry conditions will shorten the flowering period.

Week 33; Sow seeds for spring flowering.

Week 38; Plants for early spring flowering should be potted on into 125mm (5") pots of John Innes potting compost No.1 (or equivalent) and grow on through the winter months at 10°C (50°F)

Water sparingly.

Dead-head all plants regularly to prolong the flowering period.