A classic cottage garden variety. This unique blend features gorgeous, crested blooms in scarlet, pink, orange, yellow and cream. Effervescent in the border, and makes a long lasting and attractive cut flower.

Sow March to April. Germinate at 20-30C (68-86F) on the surface of a good free draining, damp seed compost. Cover seed with a very fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag until after germination which usually takes 10-24 days. Do not exclude light as this helps germination.

Alternatively, sow April to May in shallow drills, 30cm (12in) apart in well cultivated soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Thin out seedlings when large enough to handle.

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into trays or 7.5cm (3in) pots. Grow on in cooler, well lit conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 30cm (12in) apart.

Prefers a rich, well drained soil in full sun.