Also known in Scots as Maws, this pink flowered plant is found on roadsides and in other open, well-drained places in southern and eastern Scotland. Most of its traditional medicinal and culinary uses relate to the glutinous quality of its leaves when cooked although people have also eaten the seed heads as snacks. The wide, flat flowers are produced from June to August on plants varying in height from 20 to 100 cm tall.

Sowing:  Can be sown at any time of year, but best in early autumn or in spring. Sow in trays or pots of moist compost and transplant to an open sunny site, or sow directly onto a fine-raked seedbed firming down well. Water well and keep young plants weeded.

• Grows up to 90 cm
• 150-200 seeds per packet