A dazzling colour range of flowers, making a spectacular autumn display in perennial borders. Height: 60-120cm (2-4ft).

Sow February to June or September to October. Germinate at 13-15C (55-59F) on the surface of a good free draining, damp seed compost. Cover with a very fine sprinkling of compost. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag until after germination which usually takes 14-21 days. Do not exclude light at any stage, as this helps germination.

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Grow on in cool, well lit conditions. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions before planting out 30cm (12in) apart.

Later sowings can be overwintered in a coldframe and planted out the following spring.