One of the best quality mixtures available, offering a comprehensive mixture of colours: white, pink, lilac, yellow, rose and purple. Excellent garden plant and dried cut flower as the larger than usual blooms hold their colour superbly after drying. Height: 60-75cm (24-30in).

Sow in February/March in a greenhouse, propagator or warm position indoors on the surface of a good seed compost and cover with Sow-Lite (vermiculite) or a light sprinkling of compost. Germination takes 7-14 days at 18-24C (65-75F).

Transplant when seedlings are large enough to handle into tray at 5cm (2in) apart and grow on at a slightly lower temperature. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after last frost into deep, well drained soil at 30cm (12in) apart each way. Statice prefers an open sunny site.

Pick when foliage is quite dry and flowers are well coloured. Tie in small bunches and hang upside down in a dry, well ventilated place until really dry.