Sue, I am going to try again with some seeds of my crosses, but they won't be ready before next month I think. Pods on Stella de Oro are one moth old and still not ready.
I am so doubtful because every seed is a precious gift and losing them makes me feel bad. I know it's stupid, but the seeds coming from AHS are not easily replaced.
I will try your method and be careful about not wetting vermiculite too much.
The other thing that stopped my trials is the lack of space. But I am planning to rearrange the garden, so some spot will be free after the end of the blooming period. I will also try winter sowing some seeds. I'd need more room and more light inside but this house is the best we can do for now, so I am procrastinating a lot!
