Seldom available. Beautifully formed, large blooms of maroon-red, almost black. An amazing colour!

Sow October indoors, or March to April outdoors. Germinate at 20-30C (68-86F) on the surface of a free draining, damp seed compost, 3 seeds per 7.5cm (3in) pot. Apply a layer of compost 1cm (½in) deep. Place in a propagator or seal container in a polythene bag until after germination which takes 10-21 days. Spring sowings can be sown outdoors, 2.5cm (1in) deep in drills 7.5cm (3in) apart.

Overwinter October sown plants in cooler conditions such as a coldframe before planting out in spring when the ground has warmed, 23-30cm (9-12in) apart.

Pinch out the growing point once the first or second pair of leaves has opened. Water freely during dry weather and apply well rotted manure occasionally. Regular removal of spent flowers will encourage further blooms.

Harmful if eaten