Mr Fothergill's Cosmos Dwarf Sensation Mix Seeds, Compact, easy to grow border favourite. Remove dead heads regularly to prolong the flowering season. Cosmos does well even in poor soils and dry summers.

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, 1.5cm deep into finely prepared soil which has already been watered. Thin seedlings to 30cm apart. Water well until plants are established. Remove dead flowers to prolong flowering season.

• A half hardy annual, flowers the same year as sown
• Easy to grow, large flowers and attractive, fine foliage
• Compact plants, good for small gardens, in borders or large pots

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