Hmmm.. I tend not to grown anything whose last name is japonicum ;-) so I don't think I'll be much help there.

If you have the Pam's Pink turk's cap, that's a hybrid, so I'm not sure about that either. I think for the native species (Malvaviscus arboreus var, drummondii), the seeds need to be planted when fresh, which is also what it indicates in Jill Noke's book How to grow Native plants of Texas and the Southwest. That said, since you already have them the suggestion is 1/4-1/2" deep. They are part of the mallow family like Okra and hibiscus and as such, don't like cold soil but I guess that won't be problem with the winter we had.

Pop 'em in and see what happens I guess. Can the seller not give you any info?

I called Albert, he said he would just start them between two wet papertowels. So tomorrow I am going to try his technique for growing seeds. I will let you know how I do. I planted all the Japenses morning glory seeds I received Friday in the yard, they can grow up the fence in the back. I had no idea I was going to get free seeds. She sent me 6 free packages, I thought I would try these two and the morning glory tree. I looked on the internet, and they looked interesting, especially that Giant Leopard Plant. Yes, it is Pam's pink turks cap seeds. Barbra