The first apricot flowered Diascia from seed! Slender spikes of exquisite flowers spring from a mound of small, glossy, dark-green leaves. Superb for rockeries, borders and containers where it will repeat flowering to early autumn.

Germinate at 15-20C (60-68F) on the surface of a good free draining, damp seed compost. Apply a layer of vermiculite, 1.5mm (1/16in) deep. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag until after germination which usually takes 14-21 days. Do not exclude light, as this helps germination.

Transplant seedlings, when large enough to handle, into trays or 7.5cm (3in) pots. Pinch out growing point when 5 cm (2in) tall and again when the sideshoots reach 5cm (2in).

Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for at least 14 days before planting out. Plant outside after all risk of frost, 15cm (6in) apart. As the flowers fade, cut the plants back to ground level to encourage a second flush.