Quick Reference:

A biennial, with a life cycle of two seasons grown as an annual in Alaska. Germinates in 7 to 14 days at an optimum soil temperature of 65 to 70 degrees F. Seed requires darkness to germinate, cover seed with 1/8 inch of soil spaced 3 to 4 inches. Ideal plant spacing in the garden is 8 to 10 inches. Plant height: 16 to 24 inches.

When and where to plant:

Select a location with filtered sunlight and plant directly in garden as soon as the ground can be prepared and has warmed in the spring. Prepare soil, enrich with plant food, plant seed, cover seed with fine soil, seed requires darkness to germinate, firm soil over seed and keep moist until seedlings emerge. In Alaska for earlier bloom start seed indoors 5 to 6 weeks ahead, fill a container that has drainage holes with sterilized potting soil, sprinkle seed on soil surface, completely cover seed with fine soil, water well for good seed-soil contact. Cover container with black plastic and keep moist until seedlings emerge. Remove plastic from container as soon as the seedlings begin to sprout. When seedlings show their first green leaves water with a liquid solution of plant food. Transplant to 2" plastic pots when second set of true leaves appear, water with a liquid solution of plant food every two weeks, grow indoors in a sunny area, and transplant to the garden when the danger of frost is past.

Care:

Keep soil moist, otherwise plants need no special care. This tender biennial blooms the first summer.