From my perspective, a successful life begins with the right foundation. I crave a location that bathes me in full, glorious sunlight for at least six to eight hours a day. This solar energy is the very fuel that powers my growth and, most importantly, the production of my magnificent, jaw-like blooms. While I can tolerate a little afternoon shade, especially in intensely hot climates, too much shade makes me leggy and weak, and my flower show will be a major disappointment. As for my feet, I need well-draining soil. I despise having my roots sit in constant moisture, as it leads to a fatal condition called root rot. A rich, slightly alkaline to neutral pH soil is my preference, but I am somewhat adaptable. A generous helping of compost mixed into my planting bed makes me feel truly welcomed and provides sustained nutrition for my journey.
My watering needs are simple but specific. I prefer a consistent drink, enough to keep my soil moderately moist, especially during my active growth phase in the spring and the heat of summer. The key is to water me deeply at the base, avoiding showering my foliage, as wet leaves can invite fungal diseases. Before you reach for that watering can, however, check the soil about an inch down. If it feels dry, it's time for a drink; if it's still moist, please wait. I am relatively drought-tolerant once I am established, but prolonged dryness will cause me significant stress, leading to drooping leaves and a halt in flowering. A layer of organic mulch around my base is a wonderful gift, as it helps retain that crucial soil moisture and keeps my root zone cool.
To support the immense energy required to produce my dense flower spikes, I benefit greatly from periodic nourishment. At the time of planting, the compost in my soil is a great start. Once I begin to set buds, a monthly feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer or a formula designed for blooming plants will work wonders. This extra boost encourages me to produce more flowers and maintains my vibrant color throughout the season. To keep me looking my best and promote continuous blooming, you must "deadhead" me. This simply means snipping off the spent flower spikes just below the old blossom and above a set of healthy leaves. This tells me not to waste energy producing seeds and instead to redirect it into creating a fresh new wave of blooms for you to enjoy.
It is important to understand my nature. In most climates, I am a tender perennial, but I am most often grown as a cool-season annual. This means my peak performance is in the cool of spring and fall; I may falter in the peak summer heat. If you wish to save my seeds for next season, allow the final flowers of the season to fade and form small, brown seed pods at their base. Once these pods are completely dry, you can collect them, store them in a cool, dark place, and sow them the following year to grow a new generation of my family. In milder climates, I may even overwinter and return for another year, especially if I am given a protective layer of mulch before the first hard freeze.
