On Fri, Feb 6, 2009 at 9:53 AM, Rick <clayton3120@cablespeed.com> wrote: > Chances are, if you sow now, so many variables can affect the seed until it > is ready to germinate, and cause the seed to dry out or rot . Unless you're > super vigilant, it's better to wait till the proper time. > Hi Byron, As stated before in this thread, fleshy amaryllid seeds need to be sown right away regardless of when you receive them from the source. The seeds I ordered from Silverhill came just as we entered summer here in Berkeley. Temperatures were cool enough that I was able to keep the seedlings alive, although they must be kept out of the sun during several of the heatwaves where temperatures got above 90F. Some of those have gone into dormancy, while others are still hanging on. In the same batch I also received some non-fleshy seeds in the Hyacinthaceae, Iridaceae, Tecophilaceae, etc...I kept them in the same packet and stored them in the closet until fall. I read somewhere (most likely in this forum) that some species require a warming period before they will sprout in the fall. My apartment gets pretty warm in the summer. I sow those seeds in October in a well drained mix, watered and about 2-3 weeks later and got great germination. I was super anxious to sow the seeds but I made myself put them away until fall. I agree with Rick. I think chances for survival are much increased if you sow them in the appropriate season. Furthermore, the advatage of sowing seeds in the right season rather than obtaining bulbs is that you automatically adjust them for Northern Hemisphere seasons. Nhu Rainy Berkeley bruised some Tecophilaea flowers, but we need the rain!