What type of clematis seed do you have? Most clematis will require at least one season of growth before they will flower much at all and several years before they really come into their own and have loads of flowers. They have to establish a good root system prior to putting on a flower show. Clematis seed should be planted in pots and do best when grown out in one gallon sized pots and their roots fill the pot prior to being planted in the ground. In your zone, they would definitely do much better and survive if you do so.

Thanks, I don't know what kind of clematis seeds they are. But I think that I'll follow your advice about the pots, and in the mean time buy an already established one from the garden centre. Any suggestions for a soft pink, hardy clematis? Also, I know an old abandoned farmstead that has some clematis growing. I'm thinking of digging some up, however, I have heard that they don't like their roots disturbed. Has anyone had any luck digging them up and having the plants take to a new location?

Thanks in advance.

Clematis can be transplanted quite well provided enough of the root ball is dug up and that the plant is moved so that it had adequate time to establish itself before the first hard frost. In your zone 3, I am not sure when that would be but the sooner the better.

If I were in your zone, I would go for a type III clematis since the plant blooms on new wood and therefore winter killback to the ground wouldn't be an issue. There are quite a few pink integrifolias and Hagley Hybrid is a type III that might do well in your zone.