Create a carpet of colour. A masse of dainty star like flowers shine out from short tufted plants in a mixture of bright colours, ideal sown at the front of borders or in rockeries. Height: 10-15cm (4-6in).
Sow thinly, 6mm (¼in deep) in rows 30cm (12in) apart in well-cultivated soil which has been raked smooth. Water ground regularly, especially in dry periods. Germination usually takes 14-21 days. Can also be sown September to October for spring/summer flowering next year. Sow in pots or trays of moist seed sowing mix and cover with a fine sprinkling of sowing mix or vermiculite. Keep at between 15-20C (59-68F). After sowing, do not exclude light as it helps germination. Keep the surface of the sowing mix moist, but not waterlogged; germination will usually take 14-21 days. When large enough to handle, transplant the seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots or trays. Overwinter plants in cool, light, frost-free conditions before planting out the following spring.