Matthiola incana, 'Anytime Yellow'

Germination

Sow indoors. Sow 2mm deep into moist well-drained seed compost. Do not exclude light. Propagate 16-19°C. Germination takes 10-14 days. Grow on at 10°C, this will allow you to select for doubleness. You should see an obvious colour change, prick out seedlings with a green/yellow colour and discard the dark green ones which will produce only single flowers. Then grow on at 13-18°C. Acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has passed with 30cm spacing. Seeds may also be sown in autumn and placed in a cold frame to over winter.

Growing

Prefers moist soil but do not over water. Feed monthly with a general fertiliser if desired. Pinch out the top growth as the plant grows to encourage branching. When the main flower has faded cut back the main stem as this can encourage the side shoots to flower.

Cultivation

Cut flowers, once faded, to encourage growth and to prolong flowering window. Prone to aphids, treat as required.