Benefits: adds colour, very hardy, dates from Victorian times, great in the flower border

Sowing time: March to August

Inside: Sow seeds thinly, and lightly cover with a little compost. Place in warmth, and keep moist. Keep seedlings in a light position, but shade from bright sun. When large enough to handle, transplant individually to 3in pots. If planting outside, gradually acclimitise to outer conditions first.

Outside: Sow where they are to harvest. Thin to approx. 1ft (30cm) apart.