Attractive, small, flame red, fluffy flowers, sway gently in the summer breeze, resembling an artist's brush or tassels, giving the common names of Flora's Paintbrush or Tassel Flower. Ideal for adding a change of height, colour and texture to bedding displays. Height: 45-60cm (18-24in).

Sowing Time: March to May. Sow thinly, 3mm (1/8in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart in well-cultivated soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Water ground regularly, especially in dry periods.

Can also be sown in pots or trays of moist seed compost covered with a very fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Keep at between 15-20C (59-68F). After sowing, do not exclude light as this helps germination. Keep the surface of the compost moist but not waterlogged; germination will usually take 14-30 days. When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots or trays. Plant out after all risk of frost.

When large enough to handle, thin out seedlings to 23-30cm (9-12in) apart.