A daisy flowered perennial generally grown as a half-hardy annual in the UK.

Hybrids are more popular for border and bedding out, their flowers are longer lasting than the species.

Dependant upon variety they can grow to a height of 300-600mm (12"-24") high and flower from July until first frosts.

acaulis and breviscapa grow to a height of 150-250mm (6”-10”) making them suitable for edging borders and for window-boxes, flowering from July onwards

Week 10; Sow seed in trays of seed compost, just covering the seed with sifted compost

Germinate at a temperature of 18°C (64°F).

Germination should take up to a week

Week 13; Prick out the seedlings into boxes and harden off in a frost free cold frame or greenhouse until planting out time.

Week 18;alternatively; sow seeds directly in to their growing area if ground conditions allow.

Thin out the seedlings later to their required planting distance.

Week 18; If you are planning to grow on in containers, pot up seedlings into 125mm (5”) pots and grow on at a temperature of 13°C (55°F) until planting out time.

Week 22; Plant out 300mm (12”) in an open sunny site.

Avoid over-watering young plants, heavy, wet soil can encourage basal rot.

Stop young plants when 150mm (6") high by pinching out the growing tips to encourage a bushy habit.

Support tall large flowered varieties with split canes or twiggy sticks.

Dead head regularly to extend the flowering period.