Hi Gladzoe, the seeds won't have any problem regarding being shipped in freezing cold weather, even if it's -20 C. Place your order as soon as you receive your catalogue and get those begoinas off to the early start they need. I also grow the tuberous kind from seed and have had very good success when planting in January.

"Would an order placed at this time be fresh seed or leftovers?" ... I'm not sure, probably leftovers?

"Does seed more than a few months old germinate?" ... probably if it's been stored at cool temps.

"which online retailers are recommended?" ... I have ordered with good success from Thompson and Morgan, Parks, Stokes, etc ...

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Terry in zone 3

Thanks Terry! My belief has been that seed might be damaged by freezing. Glad to hear it won't be. I was thinking of ordering from Antonelli Brothers due to the positive ratings seen here. When I e-mailed them they responded that seed is shipped at any time.

That is a gorgeous basket, how many begonia's do you put in it?

Don't underestimate Thompson & Morgan. I get all of my seeds there, and have for years, and I'm a very satisfied customer. I've also grown their begonias from seed, and they sprout just fine. MacThayer

I've thought about ordering from T&M but being in Canada the 7 dollar shipping and handling has put me off.