Distinctly marked, brightly coloured, semi cactus-like blooms each with contrasting petal tips. An outstanding garden performer, freely flowering throughout the summer in borders, as well as making an attractive cut flower.Sow seeds on the surface of a good, free draining, damp, seed compost. Then lightly cover, 3mm (1/8in) deep with vermiculite or compost. Place container in a propagator or seal inside a polythene bag at a temperature of 20-30C (68-86F) until after germination which usually takes 7-14 days. Can also be sown direct into the soil after last frost.Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle, taking care not to damage the fragile roots, into trays or 7.5cm (3in) pots. Gradually acclimatise plants to cooler conditions for a few weeks before planting out after all risk of frost 30cm(12in) apart.