This species is usually grown as an annual, but it also makes an excellent potted plant during the winter months. Seeds should be surface sown in fertile, well-draining loam in partial shade to full sun. They are best off being direct sown after any danger of frost or sown in trofts outside and transplanted to the ground when about two inches tall. They can also be started indoors for an early start. This also helps prevent them from being carried away by the wind or water. Thin plants to about two feet apart, and cut off the flowering tops to increase leaf size. Remove dead flowers to encourage new ones to emerge. Regular fertilization is recommended. Germination typically takes 10-20 days.