I have questions about seed starting and care of the sprouts.

I acquire seeds from mature seed pods. The varieties are usually Mexican in origin (both red & blue flowered varieties). Once seed pods give up the seeds, are these seeds ready to be sown?

I have good germination, usually above 50 percent, when I do the "collect and immediately sow" thing.

Then, once I have little plants I pot them up in well-draining potting mix with some extra perlite added and water when necessary. They seem to be growing slowly though. I grow them in sun but with window screens providing some relief from the direct sun since they are babies. They do branch after I pinch but the leaves are small and growth seems slow.

Are they just slow to grow naturally? Am I out of season?

Things don't look bad, but I wonder if anyone has any tips to help me get these to thrive. Or any comments on my methods.

I do have some nice s. rubesens that I grew from seed several years ago.

Thanks for your consideration. Cheers!