■ This evergreen, herbaceous semi-shrub is usually considered an annual.
■ The fern-like leaves close and buckle down when touched and reopen after a few minutes.
■ The plant has prickly stems and develops small downy, spherical pink flowers.
■ Sow indoors in pots, allow to germinate at room temperature.
■ After emergence, grow on for a while and prick out in pots.