A Fleuroselect Bronze Medal winner, this easy to raise hardy annual will flower virtually all the summer. A wide colour range of fully double blooms with a compact habit of 30cm (12in) height by 23cm (9in) spread make this a superb bedding mixture. The plants are tolerant of even the poorest soils and are good subjects for outdoor containers. Flowers all summer. Height 30cm (12in).

Sow either in situ or into pots and trays in spring or early summer, setting the seed 1cm (½in) deep. For winter and early spring flowering as pot plants sow in a cool greenhouse in late summer/autumn.

Transplant direct or thin plants to about 30-46cm (12-18in) apart.

They prefer a position in sun or partial shade and are not fussy about soil.

The petals have been used as a substitute for saffron, can be made into soup, added to rice puddings, omelets, seafood chowders and they make a bright and zesty addition to tossed salads.