A half-hardy annual, suited to formal summer bedding and mixed borders. The 200mm (8") plants flower from late June into September. Water well during hot, dry weather; any check to growth will result in poor plants. Cut back the stems after the first flush, to encourage a second flush of flowers.

Week 12; Sow seed in pots/trays of seed compost and germinate at 16°-18°C (61°-64°F)

Germination should take four or five days.

n.b. Higher temperatures can adversely affect germination.

Week 15; Prick out seedlings when large enough to handle into cell trays or boxes of potting compost

Week 22; Plant out 150mm (6") in a sunny position and in a medium to light, slightly acid soil that contains plenty of organic matter.