Solid stemmed, enormous spikes of blooms, colours including lemon yellow, golden yellow, bicoloured red and yellow, red and cream. Should flower in their second year from seed. Ideal for sunny borders and good for cutting. Flowers summer to autumn. Height: 70-90cm (30-36in).

Sow February to July in trays, pots, etc of good seed compost, ¼inch (6 mm) deep in a propagator or warm place to maintain an optimum tem perature of 70-75F (20-25C). Reduce the soil temperature at night during germination. Sowings made from mid-summer onwards should be overwintered in a cold frame or greenhouse.

Transplant when large enough to handle into 8cm (3in) pots. Later plant out 45-60cm (18-24in) apart into good, well-drained soil and full sun.