Description

SOW INDOORS – FEBRUARY to APRIL

PLANT OUT – APRIL to JUNE, AUGUST to SEPTEMBER

FLOWERS – JULY to SEPTEMBER

For a head start, sow indoors initially. Fill a seed tray with seed sowing compost nearly to the top. Sprinkle seeds over the surface and cover with seed compost (approx 1/4 inch deep). Place in a light, warm space in 21°C (70°F) and keep moist. Germination takes 14-21 days.

When seedlings are large enough to handle (between 2-4cm), they’re ready to be transferred into larger pots (8cm) or trays. Grow on in cooler conditions and ensure there is some fertiliser in the pots or directly in the ground before transplanting. When danger of frost has passed, gradually harden off when planting outdoors to a well drained, sunny position.

Or sow directly outdoors where they are to flower April to June, late August to early September (for flowering the following year). Sow at a depth of 1/4 inch deep into well prepared, raked soil. Once the seedlings emerge, thin out seedlings as necessary to allow 10-15cm spacing between the plants.