Regarding propagation of Veratrum californicum, I established this species in my former garden by planting freshly gathered seed directly in a shady, moist site. I think it took about 5 years to reach flowering size. The plants are now quite large. I brought one bulb to the new garden but may bring more, as thanks to the rotten real estate market here, the old garden is still available for me to plunder. I wouldn't have transplanted Veratrum seedlings while they were still green. I find most bulb seedlings can grow quite crowded their first and second years as long as they are in a fertile medium. One exception is Calochortus, which is susceptible to damping off if crowded. Jane McGary Portland, Oregon, USA