where i am, we have a fine sandy clay loam soil. low OM, pH around 8.2-8.4, lots of decomposed granite. compacts when dry, drains well, med clay content. Low N due to low OM. But, most like low N anyways. First thing i would do is try a high sand soil with a buffer for high pH. Mix in small amounts of OM to hold water. Even clay chip for athletic fields i believe has worked for people. Even when i overwater here i kill mine. i have a heavy watering hand. But also, in some cooler areas the water pH is lower too. Depends on where it comes from, but this will lower pH of soil fast and can also murder. Also, during over-wintering most like the soil dry. Sounds weird but they rot and we only get about 8-12 inches a year, mostly right before spring. This is my opinion. When spring comes ill send some your way to test out and see which one works best.

brent

Brent :
Thanks for the follow up. My ph is high 8.5 plus.
Clay here as well w/occasional limestone pepples.
Talk to you soon!
Art

For germinating in containers: supersoil potting mix, vermiculite, leaf mold (and coco noir, when I can get it) in deep flats.

In the yard: 50% native clay, 45% fully composted organic matter, 5% sand and a handful of blood, bone and seaweed meal per 5 gal.

I had very good germination with my last S. apiana batch and happily planted them out in our unusual Oct rains, but the skunks decided they were an abomination and they clearcut them on the way to digging grubs or whatever. They left me only 1 out of 15 planted (in two different waves). Glad I gave some away, those are at least doing well.