A unique series of colours in shades of blue, yellow and red, that when blended together create subtle waves. The mid-sized flowers are borne in abundance on well shaped plants and look their best planted in containers or en masse in beds and borders. Superb for underplanting white tulips.

Sow February-March for summer flowering or June-August for spring flowering. Sow 1.5mm (1/16in) deep in good seed compost excluding light as darkness is beneficial. Germination 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 into 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 in September or grown on through the winter in a cold frame and planted out in the spring.

The petals make a colourful addition to green salads and can be candied to top desserts etc.