A stunning dwarf selection of the ever popular Empress of India. Compact bushy plants have attractive small dark foliage and a mass of deep red flowers that sit neatly above the bronze foliage.

Easy to grow, and will create a free-flowering summer display in borders or containers.

Height: 20-25cm (8-10in).

Sow outdoors where they are to flower. Prepare the ground well and rake to a fine tilth before sowing. Sow 20mm (¾in) deep, in rows 30cm (12in) apart.

For earlier flowering: Sow seed, 1cm (½in) deep, 3 seeds per 7.5cm (3in) pot, in free-draining, damp seed compost. Place at 20-29C (68-86F) until after germination. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions before planting out after risk of frost. Before planting into containers, ensure plants are well rooted in their pots.

When large enough to handle, thin out seedlings to 23cm (9in) apart.

They flower most freely in full sun and poor dryish soils. Before planting in containers make sure they are well rooted in their pots.

The leaves taste like watercress, the flowers add a spicy touch to salads and the green seeds can be chopped and used with parsley as a garnish or made into a substitute for capers.