Planting and care

In cold regions, sow seed in late October; in milder ones you can leave it until November.

Chipping or soaking seed to speed germination is no longer generally recommended.

I sow one seed per deep Root Trainer module, and set two seeds per 31∕2in (9cm) pot or four per

4in (10cm) pot.

Keep seedlings in a wellventilated, unheated greenhouse or frame, protected from rodents.

If no side shoots are forming, pinch out growing tips in January.

Plant out in March, 7in (17cm) apart, into well-nourished soil dressed with pelleted chicken manure.

Support with canes, cordon-style, for the longest stems. I make 6ft

(1.8m) high five-cane wigwams with fans of beech twigs in between.

Pick regularly – seed pod formation can halt flowering.