Beautiful pot plant or ideal for growing in a sheltered position in the garden, in almost all areas of Britain. Height: 60-180cm (2-6ft).

Sow in trays, pots, etc of good seed compost in a propagator or warm place to maintain an optimum temperature of 75-80F (25-27C). Sowing Depth: ¼in (6mm). Sow anytime of year, first soaking the seed for 24 hours in a flask of tepid water. Sow ¼in (6mm) deep in a peat/sand mix. Keep moist but not wet. Usually produces a long root some time before the shoot appears, it helps to examine seeds regularly, any of which have produced a root can be potted into 3in (7.5cm) pots of similar compost and the remainder re-sown.

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Pot on as required into 13cm (5in) and finally 20cm (8in) pots. Water moderately and provide a temperature of 7-13C (45-57F) throughout the winter.

Can also be planted or stood outside in a sunny sheltered spot for the summer and given frost protection for the winter.