The closer to the ocean you are, the more flexibility you have--the cooler temperatures near the coast are more forgiving. Once the summer heat sets in, toast.

Lot of annuals that are started in spring in most of the country are started in early fall here for winter bloom. Again though depends on where you are in California.

Hmm thats what I was afraid of.. Looks like the summer heat will be bad for me.. :(

I had a good germination rate last week of violas here near Disneyland. They need light to germinate. Don't cover, just let the hose sprinkling agitate them in the soil. You should have them until summer temps climb. At the cost of a packet, it's worth it. I usually sow them in December, but now is good too. If you move the plants to bright shade in june, they might go until late July even and sow themselves for you.