In my limited experience to date with wild collected seed of unknown age, germination of autumn sown seed is typically erratic and the total germination percentage very low, typically <5%. Is this typically other peoples experience, or is germination higher with fresh seed? Has anyone tried scarification or hot water treatment to abrade/soften the hard seed coat prior to sowing with any success? I assume that antelope/sheep browse Romulea capsules, and passage through their guts might achieve similar effects in their habitat? The scientific literature suggests that smoke/fire does not directly imporve germination of Romulea. Any experiences? James Hitchmough Zone 8-ish Professor of Horticultural Ecology Department of Landscape Arts Tower University of Sheffield S10 2TN