I haven't done it but if they don't come up in a couple of months, I'd say they were old. You might want to get in touch with some of the hybridizers (Kartuz and Palm Hammock would be two excellent resources) and see if they have any comments on these two species.

I've grown varieties from T&M in the past with poor germination rates - same goes for gloxinia. Then I harvested my own gloxinia seed, sowed them, and they came up thick. Fresh seed is the way to go.

thanks, hcmcdole. I just sowed fresh seed from b. soli-mutata. I'll test your theory and see how that does. By the way, is Palm Hammock a catalog I can find by google search? I have ordered from Mike Kartuz's catalog before, but Palm Hammock is new to me. Kimbatwl61

Not sure if they have a catalog, but you can order on-line but it's probably safer to call. Best thing is to visit them in person - bigger plants for a little extra $$.

Their website is:

PHOE