Following up the discussion of Tropaeolum seed germination, I suggest that anyone wanting to dip into this genus begin with Tropaeolum brachyceras. I grew it from Watson seed but it's now available from some commercial bulb suppliers, and there was plenty of it donated by me and others to the NARGS exchange last year. It also self-sows between the pots in the bulb frames here (I'll bet the tubers are a foot deep). It does not increase well vegetatively. The seeds germinate quite readily the first season after sowing. This is a small-scale Tropaeolum, extending about 2 feet (60 cm) here and probably a little more in nature. In general habit it's much like T. tricolor. It climbs on anything nearby but will also flower flat on the ground. The flowers are bright yellow and appear in late winter and early spring over a long period. The best thing about it is its cold-hardiness: at least down to 20 F without any damage, even on the emerging stem tips. A good way to grow it in a container would be to let it climb a wire topiary form (I just stick a twiggy branch in the pot). Jane McGary Northwestern Oregon, USA