What zone are you in? If you start them now (in pots) they will need winter protection unless you are in zone nine. They get nipped here in San Antonio. If a killing freeze comes through mine have died.

I thought mine was dead, Kathy, but the little critter sprouted late and is about two feet tall now. Don't know if it would make a harsh winter though, even though it is pretty protected and in a microclimate.

I have collected seeds but never planted them yet so I want to know too!

Mine has been in ground for 4 years now, is taller than me and blooming right now. I planted it on the sheltered south side of the house. It does die back to roots every winter and believe me, in this zone I cover the roots with a mountain (2 big bags) of mulch in the fall and when it begins to warm up in the spring, I pull the mulch back to expose it.

I didn't even mulch mine, Pam, totally forgot it, and was very surprised when it came back. Not as big as yours though, so this winter it gets the same treatment as the brugs!

It gets bigger every year Carrie. The first spring after I overwintered it outside, it only got 2-3 feet tall.

soak them overnight and plant them in pots or the ground.
Mine usually goes dormant in winter, I cut it back whenever it gets too big.
You should have a decent size plant going If you start them now, they love heat.
Tally HO!

I always start mine in pots. They grow pretty quickly and always come back in the Spring here on the coast.