This attractive Ornamental Millet makes the perfect planting partner to vibrant summer annuals, adding height and interest to borders, as well as making a perfect backdrop to your display. Purple Majesty also adds a touch of the tropics to containers on a sunny patio.

Young plants are first green, with the stems and mid-rib of foliage turning purple after 8 weeks. Leaves turn dark purple when planted outside in full sun.

Sow in pots or trays of moist seed compost and cover with a fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite 6 to 8 weeks before last frost. Place in a propagator or warm place, and keep at a constant temperature of between 20 to 25C (68 to 77F). After sowing, do not exclude light as this helps germination. Keep the surface of the compost moist but not waterlogged; germination will usually take 3 to 10 days.

When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3 inches) pots or trays. Gradually acclimatize young plants to outdoor conditions for 10 to 15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 15 to 20cm (12 inches) apart.

For best results, provide a light, well to drained soil in full sun.