I've just checked with the source of my Albuca aurea and A. shawii seeds. She manages a club seed exchange and was giving away the two year old seeds. This could mean that the seeds were three years old, depending upon which hemisphere they grew in. I also had three Alliums from the same exchange germinate in three days. (caeruleum, splendens and tuvinicum). I am greatly cheered by seeds that are so eager to grow. Diane Whitehead Victoria, British Columbia, Canada maritime zone 8, cool Mediterranean climate mild rainy winters, mild dry summers