STEP BY STEP

Sowing pelargonium seeds

1 FILL a pot to within 1cm of the rim with fresh peatfree, multi-purpose compost. Gently flatten the surface with the base of another pot.

2 REMOVE the seeds from the packet or tube and space them out on the surface of the compost so they rest 2.5cm or so apart.

3 SIEVE a little compost over the seeds until they just disappear from view. A plastic pot with several holes in the base can be used for the same purpose.

4 STAND the pot in a saucer of water for an hour or so until the surface is moist. Place the pot somewhere at a constant 21ºC. Once sprouted, 15ºC will be fine.