Silene - Jack Flash
This is an easy to grow plant, which is sure to catch some admiring glances. The attractive bright red, starburst blooms are borne on slender stems. It goes on flowering over a very long period.
Sow seed on the surface of a good, free-draining, damp, seed or multipurpose compost and cover with a fine sprinkling of vermiculite. Place container in a propagator or seal inside a plastic bag and place at a temperature of 15-20C until after germination which can take 14-21 days. Do not exclude light, as this helps germination. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into trays or 7.5cm pots. Gradually acclimatize plants to cooler conditions for a few weeks before planting out after all risk of frost 3cm apart.