Ina asked, >I have 4 lots of tulip seed in the fridge at the moment. They have had >about 4 weeks so far. How long do they need to be chilled before sowing >them? Of course this is in a mild climate. The chilling requirement should be conducted while the seeds are moist. That's why we often mention "moist chilling." In climates with some winter chill, this is taken care of by planting the seeds in fall and keeping them just slightly protected, such as in an alpine house or cold frame, through the winter. People in mild climates sometimes have to moisten the seeds by having a separate refrigerator for seed pots, or more efficiently by placing the seeds between sheets of moistened paper towels, sealing them in plastic bags or Petri dishes, and putting those in the refrigerator, checking them frequently after a couple of months and removing and planting the seeds in soil when a shoot can be seen emerging. It is inadvisable, though not always fatal, to allow seed pots to freeze solid, but if they just get a little stiff on the surface it probably will not harm seeds from cool to cold regions. I believe some large seeds, such as nut-type seeds of trees, require periods of freezing, though. Jane McGary Portland, Oregon, USA