An easy to grow annual, producing tall stems covered in masses of stunning, mid-blue, pin cushion flowers. A classic cottage garden plant, ideal for cutting and loved by bees and butterflies.

Beautiful plants for the cottage border.

Sow April to May outdoors where they are to flower. Prepare the ground well and rake to a fine tilth before sowing. Sow 3mm (1/8 in) deep, in rows 30cm (12 inches) apart. When large enough to handle, thin out seedlings to 23cm (9 inches) apart.

Alternatively, sow at 18-20C (64-68F) in 7.5cm (3in) pots and transplant when large enough to handle. Gradually acclimatise plants to cooler conditions for a few weeks before planting out after all risk of frost, 30cm (12in) apart in full sun.