Flowers: Dependent on sowing time

Height: 6 inches

Position: Sun or Partial Shade

Germination: Experience Useful

Aftercare: Easy

Description: Pastel shades that range through rose, flame red and ruby form the flambe effect which adds colour and contrast to beds, borders and containers. What's more, the flowers fade through the colours, changing like a chamaleon.

Sowing Instructions: Sow February to March for summer flowering or June to September for autumn planting/winter flowering. Sow 1.5mm (1/16in) deep in good seed compost excluding light as darkness is beneficial. Germination usually takes 14-21 days at 15-20C (60-70F). Keep soil just moist and avoid high temperatures which prevent germination.

Growing Instructions: When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant about 5cm (2in) apart in trays of potting compost or 7.5cm (3in) pots and grow cool. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 23-30cm (9-12in) apart in most soils, sun or part shade.

Aftercare Instructions: June-August sowings can be planted out in their flowering positions, window boxes, hanging baskets, planters in the Autumn, they will flower in mild spells through the winter and again in the spring.