Johan Nilson, of the Gothenburg Botanical Garden (friend of Gerben Tjeerdsma , Peter Korn et al!) suggests that the best results can be gained by sowing direct onto the large soft Swedish peat blocks that are used in the G.B. B. - and for sure Shortia and Schizocodon grow like weeds there!
Johan will be one of the Speakers at the SRGC Discussion Weekend in October.