Excellent border plants and cut flowers with the fluffy flowers presenting a veritable cloud of bloom. Our new hybrids are a unique and complete blend of colours from pure white to deep purple with many in between and very fashionable pastel colours seldom seen before, such as pale pink, lilac, rose and violet shades. Long lasting perennials flowering in their second season.

Sow spring to midsummer in a good seed compost just covering the seed with compost. Germination can take from 1-3 months at 15-21C (60-70F). If germination has not started after 8 weeks they can be pre-chilled which often speeds up germination. To do this seal in a polythene bag, place in a refrigerator 3-5C (37-41 F) for 3 weeks then return to warmth 15-21C (60-75F). Inspect regularly and remove if any start to germinate in the fridge.

Transplant when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Move to a coldframe or plunge the pots up to their rims in a sheltered site outdoors and plant out in autumn 30cm (12in) apart in a rich moist, well drained soil, sun or part shade.

Seed sown early will often produce flowers the same season.