Like Hardy Annuals these plants live for just one season and will die after flowering and setting seed. However, they cannot stand the cold so should be planted out after all risk of frost has passed.
Care: Half Hardy Annuals cannot stand the cold so seeds are sown indoors in Spring and planted out once all the risk of frost has passed. Again it is important that the soil is not too rich or it will encourage leafy growth instead of lots of flowers.
If buying plants during late Spring clear the ground of all weeds and keep them well watered. Add plenty of well-rotted organic matter when planting and stake tall plants.
Deadheading regularly throughout the growing season will encourage more flowers although you may want to leave some flowers to allow them self-seed around the garden and save you some work.
In autumn once the plants begin to die down pull them up and put on the compost heap.