Norton wrote: >> an ecosystem characteristic for being dry for 6 months (summer), and wet & covered by vegetation the other 6 (winter). The leaves start growing in June, the flowers appear from August to October, and seeds can be collected from October to November....I sowed the seeds in premix soil about a month ago, but havent seen anything happen. It is summer in Peru. Is it maybe not the right time of year to put the seeds to germinate? I am fascinated by the lomas climate and have been very interested in the messages posted about it recently. I'd love to hear more! I haven't been there, but my general rule of seed germination is to try to mimic the plant's native growing conditions as closely as possible. So if in the wild it germinates in fall and grows in winter, I would plant the seeds in fall and start watering them then. I would not expect them to germinate in summer, because they are not designed to receive water then. You could easily make them rot. Wait until fall and water them then. As for other advice: mimic the temperatures and sun exposure of the plants' native area as much as you can. For example, if in nature they are usually covered in fog during the growing season, grow them in part (or full) shade where you are. And always make sure they have good drainage. Hope that helps! Mike San Jose, CA (zone 9, min temp 20F / -6C)