Solanaceae; native to South America.

Germination: Sow anytime of the year for indoor growth. For outdoor growth, sow indoors 6-8weeks before planting outside, and leave the seed uncovered. Maintain a temperature of 68-70°F during germination, which takes 14-21 days.

Growth: When the danger of frost is past, space seedlings 8-10 inches apart in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Plants prefer morning sun and afternoon shade; they thrive in 60° F nights. Mulch in the summer to keep the roots cool and moist. Before the first frost, dig up the plants, cut them back in frost-free areas and pot them up. Place in sunny window so that they will flower freely all winter. Plants can overwinter in the garden.

Appearance and Use: The velvety, bell-shaped blooms add color to beds, borders, baskets, or greenhouses. Mounded, well-branched plants, 12-18 inches tall and 24 inches wide, sport glossy emerald-green, elliptical-shaped 3-inch foliage. Solitary, star-shaped blooms of blue, purple, or white measure up to 2 inches across.