I tried starting these seeds in small tubs of moist vermiculite this year for the first time with excellent results. Twice the germination rate of the ones I've started in potting soil. And much faster germination, too. Didn't keep records, darn it, but I don't think it was more than a week. They don't appreciate having their roots disturbed, though, so I transferred my sprouted seeds into peat pots till the weather allows planting out.

Edited for 2015 season: I had always heard that these plants don't like being transplanted, but this year I had no choice. And the ones I moved from pony packs to 4 inch pots did MUCH better than the ones in peat pots, even though the pots were about the same size. And they planted out with no problem.

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