Time to Sow More Flowers

Lobelia seeds snug in their pots ready to go under growlights!

I hope to add a wider variety of flowers to my flower bed this year.  In my opinion, planting perennials have a slight advantage over annuals; once well-established, perennials come back year after year saving time, energy and expense.  But, at the same time, annuals can't be beat for having more flower production and a longer blooming period. Not to mention, too, that annuals quickly add color where you need it.  
Following are the seeds I sowed today:

Hibiscus (Disco Belle): Seed swap, 2009.  Planted 5-7 seeds in two 2" pots 1/4" deep.  Expected germination time, 14-21 days.  Characteristics: perennial, large, light pink flowers with burgundy eyes, 36" tall bush, flowers short-lived, continuous supply of flowers from summer until first frost, blossoms the first year.
See: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/grow-disco-belle-hibiscus-seeds-33221.html

Hibiscus (White): Harvested, 2014; originally received from an online seed swap, 2009. Planted 5-7 seeds in five 2" pots 1/4" deep. Expected germination time, 30 days. Characteristics: perennial, large, white, dinner-plate-sized flowers, flowers short-lived, continuous supply of flowers from summer until frost, blossoms the first year.
See: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/plant-perennial-hibiscus-seeds-39635.html

Lobelia (Crystal Palace, Palacio cristal, Lobelia erinus): Ferry-Morse, 2015. Planted twenty-five 2" pots, covering seeds 1/4" deep as recommended on the packet.  In response to online research stating that lobelia seeds required light to germinate, I sprinkled additional seeds on top of the seeding mix. Expected germination time: 15-20 days. Days to bloom, 60-77. Characteristics: annual, 4"-6" tall, sun to partial shade, dainty, cobalt blue blooms, bronze-colored foliage, suitable for containers, spaced 6" in the garden, enjoys cool weather, blooms all summer if well watered. I intend to prepare a few hanging baskets this season and use the lobelia in window boxes. 
See: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-best-tips-for-planting-lobelia-seeds.htm

Verbena (Florist, Mixed Colors): Ferry-Morse, 2015. Planted fifteen 2" pots 1/8" deep. Expected germination time, 14-20 days.  Days to maturity, 55-80.  Characteristics:  annual, hybrid, sun to partial shade, 8-12" tall, space 12" apart in garden, multicolored, fragrant flowers, blooms up to 11 weeks.
See: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ferry-Morse-Verbena-Florist-Seed-8073/202244845?N=5yc1vZc8qlZ5ryhttp://www.homedepot.com/p/Ferry-Morse-Verbena-Florist-Seed-8073/202244845?N=5yc1vZc8qlZ5ry

Vinca (Colores Mixtos):  Ferry-Morse, 2015. Planted twenty-five 2" pots, burying seed 1/8" as recommended on the packet.  Online sources state vincas need total darkness to germinate. I am concerned the 1/8" may not provide adequate coverage.  I'll cover the containers with cardboard until I see signs of germination. Expected germination time, 14-21 days.  Days to maturity, 84-98.  Characteristics: annual, full sun, 12-15" tall, spacing 10", mix of pink and white single blossoms that bloom until frost, an old-time favorite, excellent for beds and borders, highly tolerate of heat/drought, humidity/moisture. 
See: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ferry-Morse-200-mg-Vinca-Mixed-Colors-Seed-1111/100166726

Postscript #1 - Today, after two weeks in the refrigerator, the delphinium and lavender containers were ready to join the seed trays on the shelving unit in front of the slider. I will watch their germination carefully to determine if pre-chilling the seeds aided in germination.  I'll keep you posted!