[Overview]
An annual.
The leaves are simple and opposite, lanceolate to linear, with entire margins.
The 5-petaled flowers are borne singly or in pairs at the branch tips, in cyme-like inflorescences.
There are 10 stamens.
The fruit is a capsule.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed.
It also multiplies readily from self-sown seed.
It prefers sunny, well-drained, slightly alkaline soil.
It is hardy and easy to grow.
Take care not to let the soil become too wet; for potted plants, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries, and for plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient.
No fertilizer is particularly needed if base fertilizer is applied.
The stems are thin and fall over easily, so it is good to put in stakes when the plant grows tall.
Pests and diseases include gray mold and aphids.
