Fill your beds and borders with this airy annual, which becomes smothered in unusual, fluted blooms in various combinations of red and yellow all summer long. Makes a stunning display when planted en masse.Prefers a well-drained soil in full sun.

Sow February to April. Place seed on the surface of a good free draining, damp seed compost and cover with a fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Seal container inside a polythene bag and place at 18-20C (64-68F) until after germination which usually takes 20 to 25 days. Do not exclude light, as this helps germination.

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into trays or 7.5cm (3 inch) pots. Grow on in cooler conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 23-30cm (9-12 inches) apart.