I've never raised this genus from seed but as a general rule you should start in small containers, 2 or 3 inches spdiameter, not gallons. You then pot them on to larger containers. Apart from other issues it is much cheaper on media. Do you know which species you have? I would research each one individually.

I purchased 4 varieties. Since they're not native, I figured I'd see which worked best before I planted in the ground.

CISTUS LAURIFOLIUS

CISTUS CRETICUS

CISTUS 'PINK SILK'

CISTUS POPULIFOLIS

Thanks for the tip on gallons, though I've never had issues with them. I have plenty of 4" pots laying around, so I can use those.

My potting mix for seeds:

• 3 parts soil
• 1 part compost
• 1 part worm castings
• Amendments: Mycorrhiza, gypsum, azomite powder

Patience, patience.

Cistus creticus: Moist chill may be helpful, seeds are sown into well-drained, sandy mix at any time of the year, covered their own depth with grit. Seed tray is best left in a cool spot outside and kept moist. Seeds germinate slowly - may take more than a year to germinate.

Cistus laurifolius (Clothiers): Sow at 68F, germination slow, often many months

I am a patient man. Thanks.

A good mix of turface (driveway cleaner), pearl light and peat should work.