New 2008

Kew Blue adds height and a touch of class to your summer displays. Slender stems bear clusters of velvet-like flowers in an exquisite shade of deepest purple-blue each complemented by a central dark blotch. Sure to attract admiring glances when used in borders or as a cut flower.

Sow mid January-mid March. Sow seed on the surface of lightly firmed, moist seed compost in pots or trays and lightly cover the seed with a dusting of vermiculite. Place in a propagator or warm place, and keep at a temperature of around 21-25C (70-75F). After sowing, do not exclude light as this helps germination. Keep the surface of the compost moist but not waterlogged; germination will usually take 14-30 days.

When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots or trays. Gradually acclimatise plants to cooler conditions for a few weeks before planting out after all risk of frost 30cm (12in) apart.

For best results, provide a rich, light, well-drained soil in full sun.