Bessera (or Coral Drops) are tender perennials and must be kept away from frost, they require mild to warm conditions to sprout. They are best started off in a greenhouse in the spring and protected from freezing winter conditions.

— Pot up in individual 9cm pots or cell trays between March and May and grow them on indoors or in a greenhouse. They can be transplanted outside from May onwards. Alternatively, you can plant them directly into patio containers and grow on in a greenhouse in spring, or you can plant them straight outside in May.

— Plant the bulbs around 5-10cm deep with the pointed side facing upwards.

— Space the bulbs around 10-15cm apart in borders, or closer together (5-8cm) in patio pots.

— When planting outdoors, choose a sheltered position in full sun with free-draining soil.

— If planting in patio containers, use a free-draining compost such as multipurpose.

— Water-in after planting and continue to water regularly when in growth.

— Allow the soil to become almost dry between watering. Don’t allow dormant bulbs to sit in wet and cold soil.

— Bessera flower in late summer, cut the flower stems to 3cm above ground level in autumn. Move containers with Bessera into a frost-free location for winter. Bulbs planted in borders should be lifted and stored in a cool but frost-free place until the following spring.