Until recently, this was a relatively unknown plant in European gardens. Sometimes known as 'Mexican Sunflower' with many 3in. flowers of gold, orange and yellow. Enjoying hot summers, it makes a superb addition to any border or annual garden from mid summer until frosts.

Sow February to March in trays, pots, etc of good seed compost in a propagator or warm place to maintain an optimum temperature of 70-75F (20-25C). Sow in well drained compost, just covering the seed with compost, but do not exclude light, which is beneficial to germination. Germination usually takes 7-21 days.

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle. Harden off and plant out when all risk of frost has passed 30cm (12in) apart in full sun.

Plant in ordinary garden soil.