From our perspective, your choice of container is our entire universe. We require a space that allows our roots to stretch and access the resources we need. Please select a pot that is at least 12 inches (30 cm) deep and wide. This gives our root system ample room to establish a strong foundation. Most critically, the container must have excellent drainage holes. We despise having our roots sit in waterlogged soil, as it suffocates us and leads to fatal root rot. As for the growing medium, a lightweight, well-draining potting mix is perfect. Do not use heavy garden soil, which compacts in containers and strangles us. A quality potting mix provides the ideal balance of moisture retention and aeration, allowing us to breathe and absorb nutrients efficiently.
We prefer to be sown directly into our final container, as we have a delicate taproot that dislikes being transplanted. You can sow our seeds in early spring, after the last frost. Scatter our seeds evenly on the surface of the moistened potting mix and gently press them in, but cover us with only a very thin layer of soil, about 1/4 inch deep. We need light to germinate effectively. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. With adequate warmth and light, you will see us sprout, or germinate, within 7 to 10 days. Once we have a few sets of true leaves, thin the weaker seedlings, leaving the strongest plants spaced about 6 to 8 inches apart. This gives each of us enough room to grow into a robust, flowering plant without excessive competition for light and nutrients.
To thrive and produce our vibrant blue blooms, we demand abundant sunlight. Position our container in a location that receives a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. A south-facing balcony or patio is ideal. Without sufficient light, we become leggy, weak, and will produce very few flowers. Regarding water, we appreciate consistent moisture, especially during our germination and early growth stages. However, once established, we are quite drought-tolerant. The best practice is to check the soil moisture by feeling the top inch; water us thoroughly when it feels dry, allowing the excess water to drain freely from the bottom of the pot. It is far better to water us deeply and less frequently than to give us small, daily sips.
While we are not heavy feeders, a modest amount of nutrition supports our flowering performance. The nutrients in a fresh potting mix will sustain us for a while. As we begin to form flower buds, you can encourage a more prolific display by feeding us with a balanced, liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength, applied once every four to six weeks. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they will promote leafy growth at the expense of our flowers. For continuous blooming, deadhead our spent flowers by pinching them off at the stem. This signals to us that our job is not done, and we will redirect our energy into producing new blooms rather than setting seed.
