Carolyn, I tried to WS some seeds, but nothing came up for me. I still have the container so maybe something will pop up next year. The plants that I have were bought from mail orders and locally this spring. So I have no experience overwintering them. A. major is supposedly hardy to zone 3-4. Time will tell how hardy they really are.
Maybe Brenda can give more imput.

Shelley

I've had Astrantia major `Lars' for a couple of years now, its very hardy for zone 2b.

Seed should have a warm period first, followed by a cold, then again warm for germination. Seed can be fussy and may need a couple of cycles to break dormancy.

As well with sowing the seed, you'll most likely end up with the plain species, therefore if you want a specific colour, cultivar you'll need to purchase the plant.

Sharon

I purchased all my astrantias from local nurseries. Sorry, I do very little in regards to starting plants from seeds. I just do not have the room in the house. They are perennials and I do nothing special with them, just plant them out into the flowerbeds. I love them because they bloom for so long, are not invasive and don't reseed in my beds.

Brenda

Thanks so much for the info Brenda, Sharon and Shelley. I haven't seen it in any of the local nurseries so I will go ahead and give it a try starting it from seed. Thanks for the tips on starting it from seed Sharon!