The original species, native of S. Europe with sea green bracts often tinged in purple. The tubular flowers are a wonderful bicoloured contrast of yellow and maroon. May also be sown in situ.
Sow in March 1.5mm (1/16in) deep in a good seed compost. Make sure the compost is moist but not wet and seal inside a polythene bag until after germination which usually takes 5-21 days at 21C (70F). The seed can also be sown in mid to late spring where it is to flower and covered to a depth of 3mm (1/8in).