Hi, Malcom >I sowed Lilium columbianium and L.bulbiferum var.croceum late last spring and unlike L. pyrenaicium not a single one is up. Lilium columbianum is a west coast american lily, and like most of the west coast lilies, needs a cool moist period before germination--at least sixty days at 40F(4.5C?). It is of a class called hypogeal, meaning the seed germinates to form a bulblet before sending up a leaf. The other class, epigeal, sends up a narrow, linear cotyledon, usually with the seed coat on the end. A true leaf will be broader, and will soon form with an underground bulblet. L bulbiferum is a european lily, and has delayed hypogeal germination, meaning it needs a warm, moist period before it also forms a bulblet, then sends up a leaf. Not sure of details, but about sixty days above 50F(10C?). I think the following URL is still active, an article on growing lilies from seed: http://www.open.org/~halinar/seedgerm.htm If not, I can provide a copy if anyone is interested.