Sowing: Direct sow in late fall, planting the seeds 1/4" deep. For spring planting, mix the seed with moist sand and store it in the refrigerator for 60 days before direct sowing. To start indoors, sow seeds 1/4" deep in a flat or individual peat pots, keeping the soil lightly moist and at a temperature of 80-85 degrees F until germination. Keep the seedlings evenly moist. When the weather has warmed and the seedlings are well established, transplant outdoors.

Growing: In their first seasons of development, these young plants need consistent moisture for healthy growth. Mature plants can adapt to some drought or excess moisture. In general, this plant will produce the best results in moist, rich soil and adapts well to marshy or consistently wet soil. Pinch back the growing stems in spring to produce a bushier, more compact plant. Deadhead spent blossoms to prolong blooming. When the plant dies back at the end of the season, cut it down to several inches above the ground. Provide a thick layer of mulch for protection over winter, especially if the ground freezes. In cooler climates the plant tends to be slow to emerge in the spring, often not appearing until early summer. These flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Harvesting: For fresh flowers, cut long stems of flowers that have just opened and place them in water immediately; strip the leaves that will fall below the water.