Some soak the seeds first,I don't. Your choice. Fill a pot with moist potting mix,place the seeds,cover with a thin layer of mix(depth of the seed),cover with a baggie or plastic wrap to keep the pot damp,place a sunny window and wait.As the seeds grow,I slit the covering to let them poke out.After all have sprouted,I remove the wrap. 97% germination rate.

okbt: Thanks for the advice. The place I ordered them from says that sometimes they send seeds that are already sprouted.. I sure hope mine are.. I'm scared of losing them already.

Also, this is putting the cart before the horse big time.. but from seedling to bloom.. what is the time frame? Is it 2 years?

I'm so hopeful about this cross but as I said, scared at the same time. I know this is likely a 1 shot deal. If I got even 1 nice seedling out of it I would be proud.

Usually 2-3 yrs before 1st bloom.It is possible to have a 1st year bloom,but not likely.Yours will probably bloom next year,as your growing season is longer than mine.Here in z4 I started seeds inside Jan '07,and expect many of them to bloom this year.

okbt: Do you scratch or nick (hope I stated that correctly) the seed before planting? I read this in a book I have but wasn't quite sure what/how this is done.
After the seeds have sprouted how long before you move the new seedlings into your garden?

Julia