Seed Depth: ⅛ inch

Seed Spacing: 6–8 inches

Row Spacing: 18–24 inches

Sunlight: Full sun

Days to Sprout: 10–15 days

Days to Bloom: 45–60 days

Plant Height: 18–24 inches

Plant Type: Annual

Sunlight: Requires full sun for best bloom production—at least 6 hours of direct light daily.

Soil Type: Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil. Avoid overly rich or wet soils to prevent root issues.

When to Plant: Direct sow outdoors after your last frost date, or start indoors 4–6 weeks early and transplant once seedlings are sturdy.

Direct Sowing: Sow seeds ⅛ inch deep in prepared soil. Keep lightly moist until germination, then thin to 6–8 inches apart.

Indoor Sowing: Start in cell trays or small pots with light, well-drained seed-starting mix. Transplant outdoors after hardening off.

Succession Planting: For longer bloom time, sow additional rounds every 2–3 weeks through early summer.

Watering: Water lightly and only when soil is dry. Established plants prefer slightly dry conditions and are drought-tolerant.

Fertilizing: No fertilizer is usually needed. Rich soil can cause weak stems and reduced blooming.

Mulching: Apply a light mulch to suppress weeds, but keep away from stems to prevent moisture buildup.

Pruning: Trim spent blooms to encourage continued flowering and a neater appearance.

Airflow: Space properly and avoid overcrowding to reduce the risk of powdery mildew.

Harvesting Fresh Flowers: Cut stems when about half the blooms are open. Harvest early in the morning using clean snips, and place immediately in water. Ideal for both fresh bouquets and drying.

When to Harvest Seeds: Allow some flower heads to dry and turn brown on the plant. Seeds are ready when they easily separate from the dried flower heads.

How to Collect: Snip dried flower heads into a container or bag. Rub gently between fingers to release the tiny seeds.

Drying and Cleaning: Spread seeds out in a cool, dry place for several days. Remove any chaff or plant debris.

Storage Tips: Store dry seeds in a labeled envelope or airtight container. Keep in a cool, dark, and dry place. Seeds typically remain viable for up to 2–3 years.