Polianthes (or Tuberose) are tender perennials and require warm conditions to sprout. They are therefore best started off in a heated greenhouse or conservatory in the spring. They must be kept away from frost.

— Plant into pots between March and May using multipurpose compost and grow them on indoors or in a warm greenhouse. They can be grown indoors throughout the season or transplanted outside from May onwards. Alternatively, you can plant them straight outside in May, although they will be behind those started off indoors earlier in the season.

— Plant the tuberose bulbs 10-15cm deep with the pointed side facing upwards.

— Space the bulbs around 10-15cm apart from each other in borders or containers.

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

— Water-in after planting and continue to water regularly when in growth. Allow the soil to become almost dry between watering, they don’t like to sit in constantly wet soil.

— Polianthes flower in late summer. If planted directly outside, they may not start to grow leaves until mid summer. If started off in warm conditions in spring, they should flower towards late summer.

— Remove the stems after flowering, the leaves can remain intact until autumn. Move containers with Polianthes into a frost-free location in autumn, just before the first frost. Bulbs planted in borders should be lifted in autumn before the first frost and stored in a frost-free place until the following spring.