Mr Fothergill's Marigold (French) Dwarf Double Mix Seeds, Easy, free-flowering and reliable. Remove dead flowers regularly to prolong the flowering season.

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 20cm apart, when frosts are over. Or sow outdoors for ease, where they are to flower, 1.5cm deep directly into finely prepared soil which has already been watered. Thin seedlings as required. Water well until plants are established.

• A half hardy annual, flowers the same year as sown
• Easy and free flowering, whatever the weather
• Bedding, border and patio displays all summer long

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