Excellent architectural border plant for autumn flowering, producing lots of deep red stems crowned with panicles of wine red flowers. Height: 120-150cm (4-5ft).

Sow from January to late June, early sowings will flower the same season. Sow on the surface of a good seed compost and just cover the seed with a thin layer of compost or vermiculite. Make sure the compost is moist but not wet and seal inside a polythene bag until after germination which usually takes 21-40 days at 18-24C (65-75F). To speed this up place in a fridge, after sealing in the polythene bag, and leave at 3-5C (37-41 F) for 2-3 weeks, then place in warmth, inspect regularly while in the fridge and remove immediately if they start to germinate.

Transplant when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Later plant out 1m (36in) apart into moist but well drained soil in sun or part shade.