| Hi..starting seed is quite doable. Growing them in So Ill may be a bit tricky. But that's another issue for now. Yes lights..heat @ about 75. Be careful about too much bottom heat. Even a mini-heating pad/baged in plastic set on "low low" can be a bit too much. If you do use a heating pad for heat raise your germination container up an inch or two. I suggest you use a plastic table grape or kiwi container. The have lids and vent holes (will keep the humidity high.) Make sure you microwave the growing medium/use a fungicide for the initial watering and/or misting. B seed is extra fine. I suggest you divide your seed into 3 or so portions (errors/stay under 100 seedlings.) Freeze the remaing seed in a air tight Glad sandwich pouch. It'll keep for years. Use a playing card or evelope end to strike the mini-rows an inch apart. Your should have room or 6 or 7 4" rows a quarter inch deep is deep enough..use a pencil to very lightly cover the seed. The initial misting will carry the seed into the mix far enough. Antonelli seed has a good reputation for germination. We just returned from NZ spent some time at Beautiful Begonias on Golden Bay (http://www.beautifulbegonias.com/) They use Antonelli seed (have been for 10-15 yrs)..must have 2-4k seedlings which customers tag (see blooms)and get the tubers at season's end. They get 90% plus germination/speak highly of Antonelli seed. Another excellent source is Blackmore & Langdon in the UK (http://www.blackmore-langdon.co.uk/). B & L are the gold standard for commercial exhibition quality tuberous begonias. They package their seed in a variety of packets..I'd suggestthe packet containing 6 named colors. Expect to pay $50 or so dollars when your done (seed, post, inspection.) The cost from Antonelli will be comparable (if not a bit more (http://antonellibegonias.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=29_62&osCsid=c3bc725a3765c58359f52b93823db280) Germination should take from 7-20 days. Good two leaf seedlings in 6 weeks. Prick them out into a six pack...keep on sizing up as they grow. Granted it would be perferable to seed in Feb or late Jan..but you should make mini-tubers even with an (early) April seeding -- and a bit of luck. We lived east of Cobden for close to 40 years (farmed/gardened) while I taught @ SIUC. I found begonias took care I wasn't too good at providing. Here (west of Seattle) we have a micro climate that is great for begonias (and not hot enough for good tasting tomatoes.) So it goes. Before I forget, find a copy of Mike Stevens' "Begonias" (www.amazon.com/Begonias-Mike-Stevens/dp/1552975517) Good luck, Ted Buila | 
