This is a near perfect French Marigold, neat mound shaped, always covered in flowers and quite unaffected even by heavy rain. It is ideal for bedding, borders and tubs. It flowers from summer to frosts. Height: 20cm.

Sow in spring at 21-24C in a good seed compost. Just cover the seed with compost and keep the soil damp but not wet. Germination usually takes 5-14 days. When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant and grow in cooler conditions. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 1-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 3cm apart in a sunny spot.