Because I live in a relatively mild climate I tried winter sowing the Velthemia I purchased through PBS last fall and nothing happened. When I read about the paper towel method I immediately brought them inside and poked around a little. I found several seeds and placed them in paper towels. One germinated immediately, the other two took several weeks. I also placed the pots in a warm place. Germination has been very spread out (months, so don't give up on the old seeds, Mary Sue) but I now have at least eight leaves showing. I think the initial cold slowed them down. Kathy Stokmanis Zone 8/9, no snow this winter, a few light frosts and 50+ inches of rain. Currently it is 20 degrees F warmer than usual (records falling every day) and I am worried that the seedling bulbs will go into premature dormancy and not survive the summer.