A spectacular selection of this Victorian favorite. Bright attractive clusters of bicoloured flowers stand above mid-green foliage, looking spectacular grown in individual pots or mixed together in spring flowering containers.
Sow spring to mid summer in good seed compost. Sow seed on surface of compost and gently firm. Seal in a polythene bag or cover with a piece of glass and place in a shady spot but do not exclude light which is beneficial for germination. Keep soil damp but not wet. Germination usually takes 10-30 days at 15-18C (60-65F), higher temperatures can prevent germination. Once most of the seeds have come up, sprinkle a tiny amount of sieved compost over the roots to anchor them.
Transplant when large enough to handle in 7.5cm (3in) pots. Grow cool and fairly moist and later plant out 23cm (9in) apart in the autumn where they are to flower in good soil, sun or part shade.