[Overview]
An annual to perennial 30–90 cm tall, but in Japan it is usually treated as an annual.
The stem is erect and branches well; it and the leaves are covered with soft hairs.
The leaves include basal leaves and leaves alternate on the stem, lanceolate to oblong.
A flower head is borne at the stem tip; the ray florets are yellow to red and the disc florets are reddish purple.
The involucral bracts are in 2–3 rows and hairy.
The fruit is an achene.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed, stem cuttings, or by division.
The optimal germination temperature is 15–18 °C.
It prefers sunny, well-drained, fertile soil.
It dislikes dryness.
If the conditions suit it, it grows well even when left alone.
For potted plants, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries; for plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient unless sunny weather continues and the soil dries out.
There are no particular pests or diseases.
