A hardy annual native to Europe, which has naturalized throughout the United States. The large 2-4 inch blooms are fire engine-red vividly marked with purplish-black centers individually borne on erect hairy stems. The foliage remains inconspicuous allowing the flower to express its full beauty. Prefers well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Performs best if sown in late fall in the southern regions of the U.S or in early spring in the northern regions of the U.S. An outstanding spring favorite. Culture: Start indoors transplanting outdoors in early spring before flowering. Outdoors sow seed in sunny area in most any well drained soil where they are to grow. Old foliage and stems must be allowed to ripen on the plant, then removed to make way for the growth of the new foliage in the fall. Self sows.