An exquisite chocolate-brown Sunflower with a gorgeous metallic sheen to the bloom. The mid-height habit of this gorgeous gem makes Claret the ideal addition to your borders this summer. Highly recommended.

Height: 120-180cm (4-6 feet).

Sow March to May thinly, 12mm (½in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart in well cultivated soil raked to a fine tilth. Germination usually takes around 21 days. Alternatively, you can sow indoors in late winter/early spring for earlier flowering. Sow individually into 7.5cm (3in) pots at 20-30C (68-86F). When well grown, gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions before planting out after all risk of frost.

When large enough to handle, thin seedlings to 30cm (12in) apart.

The green buds before the flower opens are delicious cooked in butter sauce and the seeds make a tasty snack. Write to us for a free leaflet with recipes for a wide range of edible flowers.