Seedlings have sprouted! I planted Black Velvet Scarlet 8 days ago and now I see the little green sprouts!
I had six Elite Red but the attrition over the years, I now have two.
I keep them in semi-shade all summer. I disbud all the flowers from June 1 until September 1, then bring them into the house to bloom all winter. I have had some problems this year with the Red Elites. I had to repot one blooming beauty because it was dropped a few days ago but it should recover nicely.
The Black Velvets are slow to bloom but the Red Elites are heavy and reliable bloomers. I will have flowers all winter!