Large, frilled flowers in unusual shades ranging through apricot, orange, primrose and cream. Very easy to grow providing a good show of flowers even in the poorest soils and splendid for cutting. Flowers all summer. Height 24in.

Best sown where they are to flower in spring or late summer/early autumn for overwintering. Sow 1cm (½in) deep in rows 30cm (12in) apart in well cultivated soil which has been raked to a fine tilth.

For winter/early spring flowering sow in late summer/early autumn and pot plants in a cool greenhouse or conservatory.

Thin out the seedlings to 23cm (9in) apart. They will grow in sun or part-shade and in the poorest of soils.

The petals have been used as a substitute for saffron, can be made into soup, added to rice puddings, omelets, seafood chowders and they make a bright and zesty addition to tossed salads.