You'll have better luck starting the seeds in small pots, Grayc. This way you can regulate their water/soil moisture needs easier. Once the seeds are up and get several true leaves you can move them to individual pots which are a little bigger. They grow pretty fast so it shouldn't take long. Depending on the rate of growth you should have plants big enough to set in the ground at around 3 months.
And definitely plant them in the shade as most hydrangeas prefer it.
Depending on which kind you have your seeds will germinate in as little as 10-14 days or take as long at several months. Any idea which ones you have?
Hope this helps!
Shoe
