The central brown disc of Solar Eclipse is flanked by a ring of pure yellow petals with a rich red flaming, this gives a spectacular ring of fire to the bloom. Ideal for height and stature in the border, and makes a fine cut flower. Easy to grow; ideal for children.

Sow March to May. Sow 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.

Prefers a well drained soil in full sun.

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