Mr Fothergill's Rudbeckia Aries Seeds, Durable ‘cone flowers’ with bold centres. Remove dead flowers to prolong the flowering season. An excellent cut flower, cut when buds begin to colour.

Sow indoors for surest results, 0.5cm deep, in rays 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. Thin seedlings as required. Water well until plants are established. Remove dead flowers to prolong flowering season.

• A half hardy perennial, best grown as a half hardy annual
• Reliable and rewarding, vividly coloured border plants
• Lasting displays, ideal for beds, borders, tubs and cutting

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