Flowers: June to September

Height: 18 inches

Position: Sun or Partial Shade

Description: Eye catching and unusual, this showy annual makes a valuable border filler alongside other summer bedding or scattered amongst perennials. Carpets of narrow foliage erupt with red-eyed, pink buttercup blooms, creating a spectacular display over a long period.

Sowing Instructions: Clarkia germinates quickly and is a vigorous grower which makes it possible to sow the seed direct into the final pack size required for sale. Alternatively plug sow the seed in a 150 cell plug tray as this is a good size for transfer to hanging baskets at a later date. Sow on the surface of a moist seed sowing compost and cover the seed with a good 3mm to 4mm covering of vermiculite. Propagate at 15c to 20 c and germination should result within 7 days. Be prepared to move the seedlings from the propagation area quickly and cool down to 10c to 15c, as they will stretch very quickly.

Growing Instructions: When the seedling are established transfer the plugs into a 9cm pot or three plugs to an 12cm 1 litre pot this should result in quality plants with a good display of flowers for sales from May onwards. Later sowing can be made in late March and April, which will flower in late June or July and are ideal for 1 pot sales.