Flowers: Summer

Height: 24 inches

Hardiness Rating: 9 10

Germination: Easy

Aftercare: Easy

Description: Very compact, with neat spikes of rich crimson-red florets throughout summer. Excellent plant to add interest and an unusual tone to the border.

Sowing Instructions: Best sown where they are to flower in spring or late summer/early autumn for overwintering. Sow 3mm (1/8in) deep in rows 30cm (12in) apart in well cultivated soil which has been raked to a fine tilth.

For earlier flowering a sowing can be made in late winter/early spring under glass or indoors. Germination takes 7-14 days at 21C (70F). Harden off and plant out after all risk of frost.

Growing Instructions: Thin out the seedlings to 23cm (9in) apart. They prefer a light dry soil and full sun but will thrive in most sites and soils.