Wow, Dan, I had no idea that they grew that slow. Try calling one of the gardening radio programs to pose that question. I've read that some plants do better from seeds than cuttings. Why did you want to try seeds? Personally, I love growing seeds. With this weather being nice, you might want to give them some sheltered light on a deck where they can get some rainwater, then gradually introduce them to sun. Also, you might try feeding them with HastaGro. Don't pass judgement yet, it just might take them a little while before they start to grow. Good luck!

Did you get some seeds from a new variety?

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/newsletters/hortupdate/2009/jun09/Esperanza.html

I have no idea what variety this is. It's from a plant that a neighbor has and it looks awesome when in bloom. Is that Gold Star variety known to have slow seedlings? Why try seeds? Because the seed pods are huge and so are the seeds. That plant is inviting me to plant them! The seedlings are about two inches tall now, and though growing slowly, have leafed out and look very healthy. Their growth may be accelerating. Certainly not a knock-your-socks-off growth rate.

My esparanza (gold star) really goes to town once it heats up- 80's at night warm. It could just be that they are waiting for that as well?

Yes, I'm thinking the same thing. No question they are high-heat tolerant, but they may just really like heat.

The ones i started from seed are slow growing too. I wonder if it's the protected place where I have them, or the small pot they are in? I'm thinking of putting them in the ground and see what happens.

The book "How To Grow Native Plants of Texas and the Soutwest" by Jill Nokes says this plant will germinate from fresh seed sown within a few weeks of harvest. Stored seed does not germinate as well. It doesn't matter if they are sown in pots or the ground. Water the soil well, then press the seed into the soil and barely cover with sifted sand or potting soil. Overwatering will cause damping off or root rot. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Germination wasn't a problem. I think all the seeds I planted germinated. The issue was how fast the seedlings are growing. It's not really toasty outside yet, but it's generally warmer out there than inside. Maybe time to put them out even while in they're their germination cups.