Sie mögen diese Aussage schon mal gehört haben, aber dieses Stiefmütterchen ist wahrhaft eines der beeindruckensten schwarzen Blumen im heutigen Landbau. Wie Samt. Black Moon produziert hübsche, kompakte Pflanzen mit mittelgroßen Blüten.

Sow February to March for summer flowering or June to September for autumn planting/winter flowering. Sow 1.5mm (1/16in) deep in good seed compost excluding light as darkness is beneficial. Germination usually takes 14-21 days at 15-20C (60-70F). Keep soil just moist and avoid high temperatures which prevent germination.

When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant about 5cm (2in) apart in trays of potting compost or 7.5cm (3in) pots and grow cool. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 23-30cm (9-12in) apart in most soils, sun or part shade.

June-August sowings can be planted out in their flowering positions, window boxes, hanging baskets, planters in the Autumn, they will flower in mild spells through the winter and again in the spring.