Flowers: Dependent on sowing time

Height: 8 inches

Position: Sun or Partial Shade

Germination: Experience Useful

Aftercare: Easy

Description: This is one big cat you will want in your garden. A striking combination of vibrant orange-red petals, enhanced by a black face and delicate black whiskers. Bring your summer or winter flowering borders and containers to life.

Sowing Instructions: Sow December to March or July to September on the surface of lightly firmed, moist seed compost in pots or trays. Cover with a very fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Keep at a constant temperature of 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 14-21 days. Take care not to provide too high a temperature, as this can prevent germination. Spring sowings will give flowers during early summer, whilst summer and autumn sowings will bloom the following winter or spring.

Growing Instructions: When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3 inch)pots or trays. Gradually acclimatise young plants to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 23cm (9 inches)apart, or plant into baskets and containers.

Aftercare Instructions: For best results, provide a light, well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. Overwinter September sowings in a coldframe then plant out the following spring.