Hi njmomma,

Here's what has worked for me: I harvest the seeds when they're ripe, let them dry out for a couple days, and refrigerate them in little labeled ziploc bags. They stay in the fridge until I get ready to plant them (in February, although I think I could probably start them earlier), so mine are refrigerated for MONTHS before planting. I use gallon milk jugs, cut horizontally, with at least 3" of ProMix in them and four drainage holes. I've had pretty good germination (about 75%). I only water them if they really start to dry out (in April and May, if we have a hot/dry spell); otherwise, I don't do ANYTHING to them. Tough love all the way. My winter sown seedlings from last year have already started blooming - no fantastic surprises yet, but the season is young, and I'm hoping for a few good keepers. I hope this helps you out a little!

Laurel

Thanks so much! That helps me out a lot! I was wondering if I would sleep all winter worrying about my seeds outside. :)

Do you tape the top of the milk jugs back on to create a green house affect? Or just leave them completely exposed and open?

I can't believe it only took 1 year to see blooms! Wow! I've heard it could take 3 years!