Succeeds in ordinary garden soil, preferring a moist but not wet soil and a sunny position. Thrives in partial shade. Intolerant of heavy clay. Plants are hardy to at least -25°c. Whilst the blue-flowered forms of this species have no scent, white flowered forms have a soft clove scent in order to attract pollinating insects. Most species are short-lived, dying out after 2 - 3 years, though they usually produce seed prolifically. This species usually self-sows freely in the garden, it is very apt to hybridize with other members of the genus and usually becomes the dominant partner in any hybridization. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes. It also attracts red spider mites to the garden, these can then move on to other crops such as apples, pears and strawberries. It grows well with rhubarb.

Flowers - raw. Rich in nectar, they are sweet and delightful, they make a very attractive addition to mixed salads and can also be used as a thirst-quenching munch in the garden. The flowers are also used as a tea substitute.

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. The seed can be slow to germinate. Stored seed can be sown in late winter in a cold frame. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer. Division in spring.

Moist shady positions, especially on calcareous soils or fenland peat.