To grow them as annuals sow them in February indoors at about 15 degrees. Harden off and plant out in April.

thanks pimpernel shall try that. Another Q when and how to prune a 5 yr + plum tree (not sure what plum) that was pruned hard in spring 2011 and has not fruited this year pruned my pear tree at same time and has masses of good fruit

At 5 years + it should be established. It would have been better to prune it in summer to avoid the risk of silver leaf.

If you pruned it hard I would not do anything more in 2012.

thanks pimpernel lazyhoe