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There are so may exotic fruit & veg in our supermarkets these days, and I assume may posters here have a go at cultivation from the seeds.... no matter how unlikely the outcome! I've succeeded (without any great skill) in growing some Dragon fruit

, mysticism, strange tools and exotic outfits are purely optional. Just remember you're dealing with miniature trees not house plants; like trees they need cold winters, air, water and sunshine to thrive.For more information you could try the Federation

. Cut dahlias down to the next bud and remove banana and canna leaves at their base.Water these thirsty plants regularly, and give them a liquid feed once a fortnight.Transplant undercover or provide protection over winter.Growing exotic plants

in large pots or growing them as exotic-looking crops in borders. Sweetcorn seeds or plantsModular seed trays and multi-purpose compost if raising from seed Dibber or pencil Trowellate-May - early June 50 minutes to sow and plantharvest AugustIf growing

in late-summer are pretty wide-ranging, as are shrubs, climbers and herbaceous perennials. Most fashionable annuals, exotics and tender perennial patio plants should also stay in flower until late-September, or even early October, if properly looked after

to growing exotic plants from seedCollect allium seedsSow seeds indoors

slowly, keeping your basket well fed.More ideas and advice for growing exoticsFollow Sarah Raven's video advice on caring for orchids.Learn how to check banana plants for frost damage with Sarah Raven's advice.Discover how to grow a peanut plant

Sown now in the greenhouse, dahlia seeds will produce young plants ready to plant outdoors in late May to flower this year. Seed companies sell a range of quick-growing bedding strains that are suitable for growing this way. You can also use

Growing sunflowers from seed indoorsAdvice on growing cyclamen from seedLearn how to raise cacti from seedGrowing exotic plants from seedBrowse poppy varietiesChoose flowers by colour

I saw a poinsettia plant in Nairobi over fourteen feet high in full flower. It was glorious but then my Clematis montana is too, climbing over my garage roof. I agree, Pippa, it's lovely to see the exotics but the real thrill is what we can grow