Gastil wrote,The exception to >that rule is the Tropaeolum hookerianum which self sowed a dozen >vigorous sprouts last year, none of which returned. It is common for these small Tropaeolum species to remain as a dormant tuber for a year or more, then recommence growing. Don't give up on your seedlings. Tropaeolum hookerianum subsp. austropurpureum has survived our recent severe cold spell (lowest temp here, 17 F) in a roofed but otherwise unprotected bed and is growing well. I have only one plant so have not obtained seeds from it. T. brachyceras self-sows readily and the seedlings return in following years. Jane McGary Portland, Oregon, USA