Monty recommends cutting back vigorously. They do regrow in a few weeks.i am fond of Purple Emporer which has lime green leaves. This year I grew MCKAnna giants - very pretty and not too tall. I do rescue seedlings and plant them where I want them! I am very fond of all the varieties and yes I grow them in pots too.
I have collected seeds from a friend's plant today (Mid July) and am wondering whether to sow now or wait until spring. If I sow now in trays will the potted on seedlings be OK in my coldframe over winter or should I plant them out in late autumn?
If you sow now they'll be big enough for winter in a cold frame pammie. I sow mine fresh and have never lost more than the odd one in winter and mostly they're outside.
I sowed my bought seed in a cold greenhouse in january this year. They all germinated and I didn't have to worry about winter survival.
I sowed some doubles in March, they are now about 6 inches tall in 3" pots. As soon as we have some decent rain (30°C again today and everything is dry) I will plant them out. I've got self-sown singles all over the place and lots of little self-sown seedlings. Winter and snow does't seem to bother them in the least.
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What, cut off those pretty leaves? Just cut the dead flowers off if you do not want self-sets.
I have collected seeds from a friend's plant today (Mid July) and am wondering whether to sow now or wait until spring. If I sow now in trays will the potted on seedlings be OK in my coldframe over winter or should I plant them out in late autumn?
If you sow now they'll be big enough for winter in a cold frame pammie. I sow mine fresh and have never lost more than the odd one in winter and mostly they're outside.
I sowed my bought seed in a cold greenhouse in january this year. They all germinated and I didn't have to worry about winter survival.
In the sticks near Peterborough
I sowed some doubles in March, they are now about 6 inches tall in 3" pots. As soon as we have some decent rain (30°C again today and everything is dry) I will plant them out. I've got self-sown singles all over the place and lots of little self-sown seedlings. Winter and snow does't seem to bother them in the least.
Thanks for your advice nutcutlet, I shall sow them today!