they really aren't too hard. first thing is to nick the seed-if you don't it's likely to not sprout. i've always read to plant it sideways rather than flat and it's worked well for me. it's not perennial here, so if you want it more than one year, plan it in a big pot with a trellis and bring it to a cool basement for the winter. mine is going bonkers down there as we speak! it didn't bloom, but i got a late start last year- i started my seed in july, i think. they are hard to get to bloom til just before frost, and i'm hoping that by having a head start this year that we'll see bloom faster. it likes full sun, and can take a little shade. the leaves turn a pretty purple in cool weather. it was easy for me to grow, so i don't know what else to tell you- i just kept it watered, fed it a little, and it took off!

Hi start them as soon as you can, they do take a long time to bloom as tamelask said.
I start mine in cups of moist sand and keep moist, plant sideways. I haven't nicked the seed myself but if tamelask does, it can't hurt. They like it warm to start off so maybe use some bottom heat or put in a warm area to germinate if you start them early.
I've grown mine in hanging baskets where they get some afternoon shade and also in the ground with some afternoon shade. I found it grew better regularly watered or mulched in the heat.
I've tried to overwinter it but no luck.