Oh, the channels are there for something, but dont put wick down there........ Use rayon or cotton, enough to slip thru the coil, then cut it off a couple mm out side the base...... Then run a small tiny tail, a couple mm? down the channel, they stuff the rest inside the base to act as a dam or reservoir........ That should help things along.... If your juice is thick use a little less , around the posts and so depending on the thickness....... Ive seen verticals done and they are very popular, but dont stuff wick down the channels......
Oh, I didn't. I did it exactly like I do my Rose, cut flush at the slots.