They are very easy to start from seed. I just planted them in a potting mix, barely covering the seeds. I believe that I covered the trays and kept them on a seed mat until they germinated. I'm in zone 7 so I cut it back and winter it over in the greenhouse. I have a few plants and get blooms but have never gotten seed pods.

I'm surprised that you had such a difficult time locating the seeds. The last time I got some (a few years ago) there were several people selling them on Ebay.