Seed of this amazing new garden plant can be sown early in the year* and by the same autumn will be completely smothered in hundreds and thousands of shiny, light reflecting flowers, forming perfect mounds (or knolls) 30cm (12in) high and 45cm (18in) across. During a season when little else is in flower, they are a perfect fit for a change in containers or will brighten up the border, looking like blue charm chrysanthemums. No matter what the weather conditions - torrential rain, snow or frost they continue to look far and away the best, brightest plant in the garden, even right through November.

*Sow during January/February to flower in October/November. Sow September/October to flower following September/October.

Germinate at 18-20C (64-68F) on the surface of a good free draining, damp seed compost. Apply a fine sprinkling of vermiculite, but do not cover the seed completely. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag until after germination which usually takes 10-21 days. Do not exclude light, as this helps germination.

Transplant seedlings, when large enough to handle into trays or 7.5cm (3in) pots. Grow on in cooler conditions for 10-15 days before planting out. Plant outside after all risk of frost, 30cm (12in) apart.