An extremely early and long flowering blend of five distinct colours ideal for the border or in pots. In the garden it has a branching habit with multiple flower spikes, whilst in pots its compact with a single superb flower spike. Magnificently fragrant with a sweet and spicy clove scent like an Old Fashioned Carnation. Selectable for 100% doubleness. Flowers summer. Height 20-25cm (8-10in).
Sow late winter early spring at 16-19C (60-64F), 1.5mm (1/16in) deep in a good seed compost, but do not exclude light, which is beneficial to germination. Can also be sown mid-summer for late spring flowering the following year. Germination usually takes 10-14 days. Grow on at below 10C (50F) to select for doubleness.
When the colour change is obvious prick out only the seedlings with yellowish-green cotyledons and discard the dark green ones which will produce single flowers. At temperatures above 10C (50F) the difference is hard to spot. Then grow on at 13-18C (55-65F). Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost 30cm (12in) apart in sun or part shade on ordinary well drained soil. They can also be planted into 7.5cm (3in) pots or several plants to a planter for flowering outdoors or on a windowsill.