Mr Fothergill's Eryngium Planum Seeds, Resilient and dramatic evergreen plants. Plants will do well in those difficult dry spots with full sun.

Sow indoors, for surest results, 1.5cm deep, in a tray of compost. Water well and place in a cold frame, unheated greenhouse or on a warm kitchen windowsill. Keep moist. Seedlings usually appear in 14-35 days, but germination may be erratic. Further germination may be prompted by covering seed tray with glass or clear plastic and leaving outside to chill for 2-3 weeks before bringing back into a gentle warmth. Transplant seedlings individually as they appear to 8cm pots. (Always handle by a leaf, never by the stem.) Gradually accustom young plants to outside conditions (avoid frosts), before planting out 40cm apart.

• A hardy perennial, flowers the year after sowing
• Dramatic heads and leaves provide interest all year
• Also known as `Blue Eryngo', tolerant of dry soils

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