[Overview]
An annual or perennial.
Because it has weak heat tolerance, it is treated as an annual in warm regions.
The stem is erect.
The leaves are alternate and palmately compound, with 5–15 leaflets.
An erect raceme at the stem tip bears dense pea-type flowers.
The fruit is a legume, often with hairs on the surface.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed.
It has a taproot and dislikes transplanting, so sow directly, or sow in pots and transplant in early spring.
In cold regions it grows well and flowers every year, but in warm regions it is treated as an annual.
It prefers fertile soil with good sunlight, drainage, water retention and aeration.
It dislikes acidic soil.
For potted plants, water thoroughly once the soil surface has dried.
It dislikes excess moisture, but if it becomes too dry the leaves may turn black and drop.
Apply organic fertilizer as a base fertilizer, and top-dress with slow-release fertilizer in spring.
Fertilizer high in nitrogen makes the stems and leaves leggy and reduces flowering.
When all the flower spikes have finished blooming, cutting the flower stalks at the base lets you enjoy a second flush of flowers.
Pests and diseases include sclerotinia rot, southern blight, borers, spider mites and aphids.
