Hi Mary Sue and all, I'm a bit slow off the mark responding to this due to work commitments but here goes I've enjoyed reading all the responses so far and the different techniques used. I live in Gippsland, Victoria in Oz and my climate is very similar to SA and we have the same seasons which helps. I start all of my seeds under a cover which consists of a fibre glass roof with open sides - and one with shade cloth sides. Both provide light, good air flow and protection from our frosts in winter if needed. This way I control watering and protection from heavy rains. I get good results with this process and most species flower well in this system. The Ixia scillaris seed I got to germinate in one season did so in these conditions, which I talked about in an earlier posting. I use 4 inch pots to start off and leave seeds in these for two years, will pot up to a larger size as required or move out into garden space if I need to. My potting mix consists of a good quality seed raising mix, mixed with sand and a little added blood and bone. I will use more sand sometimes depending on the species and sometimes straight potting mix when I pot on. I do not use any other fertiliser at all. I use the flotation method for any kind of winged seed and wait until they have produced roots and shoots before potting on. I find this gives me better germination results with this method. I have an article written on the flotation principle published on the IBS site and also on my Ixia page somewhere if anyone is interested in trying this method. See links below in my signature. If unsure about planting depth I usually cover seed lightly with sieved sand. Very fine seed is usually placed on top and carefully watered in. I always bottom water my pots until the seed have established and then I use a very fine spray mist system which I set up using poly tubing and a fine mist spray. It is important that you do not let your pots dry out as this will cause losses. I do not have the time nor the capacity to store up rain water so I just use tap water but I would if I could. I never throw pots away if they don't germinate the first year as often they will germinate in the following season. This will often depend on how old the seed is when you get it and this will definitely affect germination percentage. All seed is different. . I collected seed in Queensland of a Canna and found it in a drawer five years later. I planted them out and got 100% germination and they are flowering in my garden at present. What I feel is important is good air flow, watering techniques, adequate light and also keeping good records of what special techniques you use. Hope this helps. Good Growing. Bill Richardson Gippsland Australia 8-30 c. Lovely days of Spring. Water restrictions here. Ixia site http//http://www.angelfire.com/ri/ixia/ Suite 101 site http//http://suite101.com/welcome.cfm/bulbs_and_plants