This plant is a friend to bees and is entirely edible.
This beautiful mixed blend of gold, orange, red, and bright yellow will brighten up your garden. This annual plant is easy to grow. Entirely edible, this plant has always been used for culinary purposes. The seeds themselves can be pickled and serve as an acceptable alternative to capers.
To soften the hard shell of its seeds, it is advisable to lightly rub one side of each seed with fine sandpaper and let them soak overnight in a glass of warm water. Sow the seeds in early spring, just below the surface of the soil (1/4 inch deep). Germination should normally occur within 7 to 10 days after planting.
Water the seedlings regularly until they are well established. The plants can tolerate some drought and can grow in poor, sandy soil. Fertilizing the plants may lead to an overproduction of green leaves and a decrease in flower buds.
