I got tubers once at the New England flower show and they did wonderful... last year I planted them from seeds (direct sow) and it took forever to bloom and some did not bloom at all ... this year I started some indoors to see if I get a good start... I am taking a chance and started them in 3in plastic pots (since I seem to have gazilions of them in my shed??? where did they came from????)
Anyway I just read an article on a old Garden Gate magazine about pre-sprouting seeds using a wet paper towel - according to the article you plant each individual seed as they sprout. They should be placed on a wet paper towel, roll them up, place in a plastic bag away from light - should check daily, wet paper towel if is dry, plant the ones that are sprouted right away and wait until they all germinate...
good for beet, carrots, cukes, squash, cardinal creeper, foxglove, hyacnith beans, lupine, spanish flag and other climber annuals... I wonder if that would work for 4 oclocks...