A fascinating combination of fragrant, sweet pea-like bicoloured pink flowers and dark purple to brown large seed pods, against deep green and purple/brown foliage. Wonderful summer annual for obelisks, trellis and arches.
Sow from March to May, 1.5mm (1/16in) deep in a good seed compost just covering the seed with compost. Germination takes 5-14 days at 20-25C (70-75F).
When large enough to handle transplant the seedlings to 7.5cm (3in) pots, and grow on at 13-15C (55-60F). When well grown gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions and plant out in late spring after all risk of frost has passed 30cm (12in) apart in a moist well drained soil and a sheltered sunny site. They can also be grown in a 20-25cm (8-10in) pot in a conservatory. Water freely, keep the atmosphere fairly humid and train up canes, wires etc.