Choose a sunny location with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5
Prepare the soil by loosening it and removing weeds and rocks
Plant seeds directly in the ground after the last frost
Sow seeds about 1 to 2 inches deep
Space seeds according to variety, usually 6 to 24 inches apart
Water the seeds after planting
Keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge
Thin seedlings if they are too crowded
Water deeply once or twice a week after plants are established
Avoid overwatering
Add mulch around plants to retain moisture and reduce weeds
Support tall varieties with stakes if needed
Fertilize lightly if soil is poor
Watch for pests and diseases
Harvest seeds when the flower heads droop and back of the head turns yellow-brown
Cut flowers for decoration when petals are fully open