A truly vibrant coneflower, this variety puts up a whole host of cerise flowers which adorn the late-summer flower garden.

In a sunny spot it copes well even in poorer soils. Its upright neat flowering stems means you can fit lots in a small space to intensify your flower displays.

Here’s how to sow seeds for successful germination…..

1)      Fill a 6-9cm pot or cell tray with seed compost – which is light and contains a small but balance level of nutrients in the soil. Overfill the pot or cell trays and strike excess soil off so that the seed tray is filled to the top with un-compressed soil.

2)      Water soil from underneath by placing the tray in a container of water, letting the soil absorb the water from underneath. After about two-to five minutes remove from the container of water.

3)      Press the seed into individual cells or pots the soil to a depth of about 2cm using a dibber or pencil.

4)      Cover the seeds with more of the seed-compost.

5)      Water above with a watering can with sprinkler (rose) and add fungicide to the first watering to guard against damping off.

6)      Label and date the seeds and place in a cool light place.

Sowing directly outdoors

1)       Use a rake to level the surface and create a crumble-like tilth. At this point remove any weeds or large stones etc.

2)       Water the surface prior to sowing.  This is better than watering over the top of seeds once they are sown as the force of the water can displace the seeds unevenly. 

3)       Thinly scatter the seed over the soil. Pour the seed into the palm then tap lightly with the other hand to distribute the seed evenly over the area of soil.

4)       Use a rake to gently cover the seeds with soil.

5)       Before you forget where the row is and what you’ve sown, place a label in the soil at one end.

6)       Remember to water in dry spells

If you want your plants to germinate quickly you can put down a horticultural fleece over the soil – this helps retain the heat in the soil, and doubles up as protection from hungry seed-eating birds.