Mr Fothergill's Aster The Roses Seeds, Stylish mix of large and small blooms. Remove dead flowers to prolong flowering season. For long lasting cut flowers, pick just as the buds begin to show colour.

Sow indoors, for surest results, 0.5cm deep, in trays of compost. Water well and place in a warm position. A temperature of 15-20°C. is ideal. Keep moist. Seedlings usually appear in 14-21 days. Transplant seedlings 5cm apart to other trays when large enough to handle. (Always handle 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 30cm apart, when frosts are over. Or sow outdoors for ease, where they are to flower, 0.5cm deep directly into finely prepared soil. Thin seedlings to 30cm apart. Water well until plants are established. Remove dead flower heads to prolong flowering.

• A half hardy annual, flowers the same year as sown
• A designer blend of sizes and rose tones
• Medium height, perfect for borders and cutting

Sow time: Feb-May
Flowering/Harvesting time: Jul-Oct