Mr.Fothergill's Verbena Bonariensis

First year flowering favourite.

• Dramatic, tall border plant with rich purple flower clusters.
• Hardy with some protection.

Sow indoors, January-April, to flower the same year, 0.5cm (¼") deep, in trays of compost. Water well and place in a greenhouse or on a warm, kitchen windowsill. A temperature of 20-25C (68-77F) is ideal. Keep moist. Seedlings usually appear in 21-35 days. If germination is slow or erratic, place the tray in a refrigerator or outside for 1-2 weeks, then return to the warmth.

Transplant seedlings to 7.5cm (3") pots of compost, when large enough to handle. Always hold by a leaf, never by the stem. Gradually accustom young plants to outside conditions (avoid frosts), before planting out into well-drained soil, May-June, 45cm (18") apart, when frosts are over. Flowers: July to October.