Mr.Fothergill's Cosmos Seashells Mixed

Easy, elegant border plant.

The rather special petals fold to form delightful shell-like flutes around the yellow centre.

Sow indoors for surest results, February-April, 0.5cm (¼") deep, in trays of compost. Water well and place in a warm position. A temperature of 15-20C (60-68F) is ideal. Keep moist. Seedlings usually appear in 14-21 days.

Transplant seedlings, 5cm (2") apart, to other trays when large enough to handle (always hold by a leaf, never by the stem). Grow on in cooler, but not cold conditions. Gradually accustom young plants to outside conditions (avoid frosts), before planting out into well-drained soil, May-June, 30cm (1') apart, when frosts are over. Or, sow outdoors for ease, April-May, where they are to flower, 1.5cm () deep, into finely-prepared, well-drained soil, which has already been watered. Thin seedlings to 30cm (1') apart. Water well until plants are established.

Flowers: June-October.