Dark Night

HARDY ANNUAL

Spring/summer bloom
Can handle light frost

FOR BEST RESULTS

Sow seeds 1 to 2 inches apart in a container of seed starting mix, 2 or 3 weeks before last expected frost. Cover 1/4 inch deep, keep moist and provide a good light source until seedlings are ready to transplant. Plant out strong, sturdy seedlings into fertile garden soil, spacing 12-15 inches apart in full sun.

TO START SEEDS OUTDOORS

Sow seeds in a well-drained, prepared garden bed in full sun as soon as soil can be worked in spring. Space seeds 8 to 10 inches apart in rows a foot apart and cover 1/4 inch deep. Keep seed bed moist until seedlings emerge in 12 to 15 days. Weed carefully and keep well watered. Thin sturdy seedlings to 12-15 inches apart.

GROWING NOTES

Plant in early spring to get sturdy plants that will flower throughout the summer and fall. Curving wiry stems are part of this plant's character; support them for best flowering displays.

Cut often for bouquets and to produce more blossoms. In mild winter areas, they are a short-lived perennial and will overwinter to bloom a second season.