You're supposed to bin them at the end of the season and buy new each year, because they're prone to virus infections. Many people don't worry about that though and just keep the same plants year on year as long as they're fruiting.

Thanks as I have never grown them myself ,couldnt advise her.She also needs to replace " died off " aubricia in her window boxes.Any suggestions.?

I'm slightly confused as to why she'd have aubretia in a window box anyway - this is more usually found as an edging plant in the garden, and needs cutting back after flowering is over in the spring, with no more flowers till the following year, not a great subject for a window box.

She would probably be better off with Sweet Alyssum, or Dwarf Globe Candytuft, for a colorful trailer.

Had a " senior moment " NOT Aubrecia I meant LOBELIA oops

Oh well, that's different - to be honest, it depends what she can find at the garden centre, it being far too late for summer bedding now, but occasionally they have potted up things that might do the job.