That is a nice gift. According to Clothier's:

Surface sow at 20ºC (68ºF) in light, germinates in less than two wks.

I've found them very easy and quick to start. Just press them into the soil surface - they need light to germinate.

Here is a link that might be useful: growing edelweiss

Hi Jim Dandy,
I winter sowed some Edelweiss seeds and just planted it into my garden today. I had great success with it.
Kat

Will the seeds germinate naturally outside in a South Australian winter (average 6 - 12 degrees celcius), or is it better to leave the pot on a windowsill inside?? Also, would it even be better to germinate the seeds in a greenhouse with a heat mat underneath, where a humid environment could occur?? Please tell me.

I brought Edelweiss seed from Switzerland and it has germinated LIKE MAD! Now I have hundreds of tiny germinated plants in Maine (zone 4)! So when can I put them outside (usually not till June) and do I just divide up into tons of pots now? HELP!
Thanks,
Abby

I guess trying to grow then in so cal is out, do they need a cool stage?