Mr Fothergill's Begonia Summer Rainbow F2 Seeds, Free flowering and long lasting. Begonia seed is tiny, almost dust-like. For ease of sowing, mix with a little dry sand and spread evenly over compost.

Sow indoors, a warm kitchen windowsill is all you need for starting these seeds. Sow thinly on the surface of a small tray of pre-watered compost. Place in a warm, light position. A temperature of 21-24°C. is ideal. Keep the compost moist. The tray can be covered with clingfilm to preserve humidity, but remove when seedlings appear. Seedlings usually appear in 14-21 days. Transplant seedlings 5cm apart to other trays when large enough to handle. Grow on in cooler, but not cold conditions. Gradually accustom young plants to outside conditions (avoid frosts), before planting out 20cm apart, when frosts are over.

• A half hardy perennial, best grown as a half hardy annual
• Wide colour range, flowers throughout the summer
• Great for border edging, bedding and in pots and tubs

Sow time: Jan-Mar
Flowering/Harvesting time: Jun-Oct