Sowing & Growing

Start by sowing seeds indoors between February to April. Place the seeds onto moist and well-drained seed compost, covering them lightly with a fine layer of vermiculite. Maintain a temperature of over 20°C for propagation. Keep the soil consistently moist but not saturated. Germination typically occurs in 14 days but may take longer. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into 8cm pots. Continue to grow them in cooler conditions. Acclimatize the seedlings and plant them outdoors after the risk of frost has passed, spacing them 100cm apart.

Alternatively, sow seeds directly from late April. Sow thinly at a depth of 3mm into well-prepared soil that has been finely raked. Water the area regularly. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them to a spacing of 100cm.

The plant thrives in a moist, well-drained soil under full sun. Ensure that the soil doesn’t dry out, especially in warmer conditions. Mulching is advisable if the soil has a tendency to dry out. To encourage prolonged flowering and stimulate additional blooms, deadhead the plant regularly. If you prefer to prevent self-seeding, deadhead as needed.