For an early flowering crop under glass from January - sow thinly onto trays or pots containing good quality seed compost and lightly cover with compost. Cover with polythene, glass or a propagator lid. Keep moist but not overly wet and keep at 68°F (20°) for 2-4 weeks. Remove covers once seedlings appear and transplant when easy to handle into small pots. Harden off in a cool environment and plant out at 30cm intervals once all risk of frost has passed.

For direct, outdoor sowings from April onwards - sow thinly in rows 15cm apart in a well-prepared seed bed. Cover lightly and keep moist, transplanting or thinning to 30cm when easy to handle.