Soils:  Moderately to strongly acidic soils. We recommend a target pH of 4.0 to 5.0, moist, well-drained peat or sphagnum moss mixed soil for germination.  If you can get a few handfuls of some composted conifer needles, add that to your moss to help lower your pH. 

Germination & Growth:  Seeds usually germinate at rates around 60% to 70%.  Seeds can be started indoors in the fall and grown under lights through the winter. To maximize growth and survival during the first year, sow seeds and grow them indoors or in a greenhouse. Sow the seeds on firm, moist peat or spaghnum moss-based potting soil that contains sand, pumice, or perlite for drainage and should be at least 3 inches deep.  This soil mixture should not contain fertilizers.  Place 3 or 4 seeds on the soil surface in each pot and cover with 1/4 inch of soil mixture.  Mist as frequently as necessary to keep the soil moist, but not soaked. Use a hand-held spray bottle or water from the bottom. If the soil dries out, even briefly, seedlings often die. Set the pots in a location with daytime temperatures between 70-80 degrees F and night temperatures between 50-60 degrees F. The seeds must be exposed to light to germinate properly. Sufficient light penetrates 1/4 inch of soil to promote germination. When the seedlings emerge in 4-6 weeks, place them under fluorescent lights for 12-16 hours per day or natural daylight, but not direct sunlight. Cool white, wide-spectrum, and plant-grow fluorescent tubes all give good results. When the seedlings are one-half to 1 inch tall, thin, leaving only the largest plant per pot.  Seedlings are typically grown in containers for the first 2 years.