I get mine to sprout every year...I put mine in the house in front of a southwest facing window, then move them out to the greenhouse, or start them in my greenhouse (which is only heated by the sun) inside a plastic container..They like the extra heat to get them started...We've been saving those clear plastic containers, the ones you can get little tomatoes in...Or any clear plastic will work...I don't close it all the way though...So far, since March 6th, I have 12 sprouted out of 16...8 Sunrise Surprise and 4 Alba...

This is what works for me here in SW WA...Let me know if I can help more...knotz :)

I winter (spring) sowed some last year in April sometime. I kept them on the south side or west side of my house and they did fine. Check out winter sowing forum.
Duane

Thanks both of you. I don't have any trouble getting them to sprout in my south-facing window, it's getting them to do anything after that that's my concern. They seem to grow a few inches and then come to a grinding halt.

But I'm giving them another try this year. We'll see what happens.

I come to the conclusion that they want lots of water. jwww

That I can provide. Are they heavy feeders?

Mine like morning sun and afternoon shade...Of course, my "babies" are still in the greenhouse...I won't put them outside until it stays at least 50' at night...I hang them from my deck and they go crazy every year..I water when needed and fertilize once a week in the late Spring/Summer...They don't overwinter though, not mine anyway..I have to start new ones from seeds each year....knotz :)