Dear Arnold; 2 falls ago I planted E. bicolor outdoors and shallowly. I thought they had turned to mush that spring, but foliage slowly emerged. This spring foliage came up strongly so I suspect they have pulled themselves down and will hopefully bloom this fall. This in a raised bed with NO WINTER PROTECTION. So my suggestion for your mild climate is to try a few more outdoors and plant them deeply as Jane suggested. Best Jim W. -- Dr. James W. Waddick 8871 NW Brostrom Rd. Kansas City Missouri 64152-2711 USA Ph. 816-746-1949 Zone 5 Record low -23F Summer 100F +