You might read through this from the Clothier's website...

Here is a link that might be useful: Penstemon

Has anyone gotten penstemon seed to work? I just went outside and grabbed some seed heads and have decided to see if they'll germinate on some seed starting mixture (under plastic of course). Do think I'll have a chance - I figure they've gone through all the cold-warm cycles being outside throughout the winter.

Note - I've only had one volunteer from my original plants after 3 years in the garden...

That was an interesting read. I love wintersow seeds because that's when i begin having gardening withdrawals lol.

I've had pretty good success with germinating several different kinds of penstemon by wintersowing the seeds on the soil surface. They seem to like the combination of light and cold. Examples include: penstemon barbatus "jingle bells", navigator, rondo, white plains, rocky mountain blue, smallii.

Lois in Pa

I winter sowed several different penstemon types (Mystica, Esprit & P. strictus 'Rocky Mountain') from traded seeds and not only did they all sprout, they grew into good-sized healthy plants. They're excellent winter sowing candidates. To be quite honest, EVERYTHING I winter sowed grew into healthy, beautiful plants and many bloomed first year from seed including two dwarf hollyhocks, lupine, turtlehead, butterfly bush & blackberry lily.

Wow! I never heard of winter sowing and Gardenweed has me all excited - I have a brown to black thumb but love flowers. NM is a HAARD place to garden if you don't want to make your own soil! I have noticed store bought plants grow better if planted on a cool day late in the day - esp. If it might rain during the night or next day, or at least is cool the next day or two.
THANK YOU ALL!!