Yes, plant them directly out. I've always done this; my mom has always done this.... You don't have to worry about direct-sown seeds coming up too early, and getting frozen, because they will adapt themselves to the soil temperature and sprout at the appropriate time. You could sown them and other annuals out on top of the snow in winter.... (is my point coming across here?)

The reason you do have to worry about frost with the covered containers that some people use for winter sowing is because the cover creates an artificially warm setting that promotes germination. Thus the seeds germinate long before they would if not covered or in the ground; thus they are germinating while there is still the likelihood of frost.

Like you, Lori, I have always done this and my mother always did it, too.
I usually put mine out on May long weekend but they could probably be sown now. As a matter of fact, I may just do that myself.

I always buy fresh seed every year and last year planted a row of about 2000 seeds along the back length of my veggie garden. I love them that much. I didn't pull them up in the fall and now, I'm waiting to see if they will self seed. If not, I've got another pkg. of 2000 ready to go. Lori, have you ever had them self seed? I haven't but I've never put in that kind of quantity before last year.

Shauna

Shauna, yes, I've had some of them self-seed but never in great number.... but then I just plant a little patch here and there. With the quantities you're planting, you'll probably have good self-seeding!

Thank you, ladies. I'll sprinkle some seeds out this afternoon. :)

Mine self seed here and there, but I do throw an extra package of seed in every year. They certainly aren't as enthusiastic about it as johnny-jump-ups, bachelor buttons, california poppy and some others.

Actually, there are a few sprouts of something where they were last year, so i'm keeping an eye on them to see what they might turn out to be. If they're stocks - bonus, because i've already scattered a couple of packages!