Begin sowing in early spring indoors or directly in the soil once all frost risks have subsided. Choose a location with well-drained soil, ranging from moist to slightly dry; these plants can withstand drought and thrive in dry, less fertile soils. Ensure they receive at least half a day of sunlight.
Sowing Indoors: Plant in individual pots or seed trays with well-drained compost. Cover the seeds lightly and maintain moisture in the compost. Germination occurs within 7 to 14 days. Transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots or trays. Gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions for 10 to 15 days before planting in their final position after the last expected frost. Space them 25 to 30cm (10 to 12in) apart.
Sowing Direct: Prepare the soil thoroughly and create a fine tilth. When sowing multiple annuals in the same bed, demarcate the sowing areas with a ring of sand and label them. Apply a complete fertilizer. Sow the seeds 5mm (¼ in) deep in rows spaced 7cm (3in) apart. Sow sparingly to prevent overcrowding. Keep the soil consistently moist during germination, which typically occurs in 3 to 4 weeks. Distinguish the seedlings from nearby weeds and thin them out as needed, leaving the final spacing between plants at 25 to 30cm (10 to 12in). Replant thinned plants carefully.
