Very imposing, sturdy plants with long, strong stems and large flower buds which break open to reveal huge 20cm (8in) flowers of startling red with black blotches. Plants require no support and ideally should be grown in groups at the back of the borde
Sow in spring at 15-20C (60-70F) on the surface of a good seed compost, and cover with a thin layer of vermiculite. Do not exclude light, sealing in a polythene bag after sowing is helpful. Germination usually takes 2-4 weeks.
When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant carefully into 7.5cm (3in) pots and grow on cool and in good light. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions and plant out 30cm (12in) apart.
They prefer full sun and a gritty free draining soil. Handle with care whilst pricking out and transplanting. Will self seed where happy.
Flowering Period: Summer
Cropping: Plant Type: Hardy Herbaceous Perennial
100 seeds
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Imaginative marketing techniques have made Thompson & Morgan the industry's pace-setters and have helped keep the company dynamic and young at heart. The quality of the product is the cornerstone of the Thompson & Morgan's success, and quality control dominates every aspect of Thompson & Morgan's operations. All suppliers have to stipulate seed germination rates, regular checks are made by T&M's management of all contracted growers' crops and every consignment of seed is rigorously tested in the laboratory and trial grounds by the company's technicians. Finally, the seed is foil packed to retain pristine freshness before being inserted into the well-known and distinctive Thompson & Morgan packets. With every packet comes the company's guarantee as to its viability.
