Perfect garden filler making a good multi-purpose plant for creating rivers of colour in beds, borders and rockeries between paving or in patio containers. Ground-hugging plants - spread rapidly and give long flowering from spring to autumn.
Sow spring to autumn in good free draining seed compost, just covering the seed with compost. Germination usually takes 14-30 days at 16-21C (60-70F).
When the seedlings are large enough to handle transplant into 8cm (3in) pots, grow cool and finally plant out 15-20cm (6-8in) apart into a sunny spot in free draining soil.
Overwinter autumn sown plants in a well ventilated coldframe and plant out in spring.
The spicy clove flavoured flowers add a zest to salads and can be candied, made into jam or sweet-sour pickle!