Preferences:

Brazilian annual that likes full sun to partial shade, does best in well drained, moist soil. Although will do well in high clay soils provided the moisture is adequate.

Cultural Practices:

Propagation - Sow on April 1 (don't cover) at a constant 21 degrees C for 10 -20 days. Sow the seeds lightly because when they are ready to prick out they are very small and damage will result from pulling over crowded seedling apart.

Culture - Fertilize regularly,  keep the soil moist, will self sow freely, dead head  to promote side branching. The rosette leaves can become very large and are good for keeping the soil moist and free of weeds.

Landscape Value:

Common Series - Merlin (8", early, dwarf compact), Nicki (16"- 18", free flowering, strong fragrance, good in partial shade. I like this one), Domino (10" - 14", compact and basal branching. Not as nice as the Nicki mix), Daylight Sensation (3', Large bush type with flowers that remain open all day). Affinis White (3',  generally white flowering varieties are the most scented).

Treat the taller plants much like you would cosmos. They drop their flowers which turn brown and give the plant a messy look. The small varieties planted just a little wider than normally (9" - 12") will give a tidy look especially the pink or purple bi colour Domino mix. Very nice in Cottage style designs.