I have always started mine in pots until they are large enough to transplant and had better luck this way than straight into the ground. But then you may have better soil. The other problem I have is they seem to be short lived at least for me here. For 2 years they gave me wonderful plants and blooms but then they died so it looks like I need to keep starting them from seed so I can enjoy them more as I love having a bloom that lasts for a month or more.

I don't have much luck with reseeding either. Pretty erratic
I wonder sometimes, wally, if they don't act more like bi-annuals.

Thanks for the replies. I am trying to create a mini prairie on part of my property, about half an acre. I already have a good number of native post oak savannah species and would love to get this naturalized into it. I`ll just give it a go and see what happens. The concensus seems to be that winter sowing may be best. Any other input would be appreciated.

Here is a link that might be useful: Randy Hyden`s Life Blog on the Post Oak Savannah

I have great success 'winter sowing' mine in milk jugs. taterbug

Thanks, taterbug, what size jugs do you use , half gallons?
I might try some direct sowing and some pots as you say.

Here is a link that might be useful: Randy Hyden`s Life Blog on the Post Oak Savannah

My problem is I gave all my seeds away as my plants were so healthy but never came back this year.