An easy to grow, first year flowering perennial, ideal for adding a sumptuous mixture of fruity colours to borders.

Makes an excellent cut or dried flower, as well as attracting bees and butterflies to your garden.

Height: 60-75cm (24-30in).

Sow February to June or September to October. Sow seed on the surface of a good free draining, damp, seed or multipurpose compost, then lightly cover the seed with fine grade vermiculite. Place container in a heated propagator, or seal container inside a polythene bag and place at 15-20C (59-68F). Germination can take 1-3 months. Do not exclude light, as this helps germination.

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into trays or 7.5cm (3in) pots. Gradually acclimatise plants to cooler conditions for a few weeks before planting out after all risk of frost, 45-60cm (18-24in) apart. Overwinter September sowings in a coldframe and plant out the following spring.