Hi Linda - Last year was my first year for geraniums, so I don't have that much experience. Looking at my notes they started sprouting in 3 days. The geraniums I sowed this year (4 days ago), haven't sprouted yet. I looked at Swallowtail seeds info and they say at 75degrees it is 14-21 days. Dont know why I got such fast germination last year. I am sure it varies among the different types. I have to confess that I bought more seed on line yesterday. I was looking specifically on Swallowtail's site for more coleus, but I ended up spending another 41 bucks (free shipping for $40 orders). Along with the coleus I decided I would give Begonias and Lisanthus another try - they didn't do well for me last year. It actually a little late to start them, but - what the heck. Also got some more impatiens, scabiosa, zinnia, and yes - two more types of petunias, Dolcissima Frangolina and Sophistica Lime Bicolor. The Frangolina are similar to the Flambe, but the color is deeper. They have really nice varieties of annuals available and are a little cheaper than Johnny's or Parks.

This is the first year I have ever gotten a seed to germinate and to survive to be planted outin the garden. The one thing I did different this year was I tried the winter sowing method that I found about here on garden web check it out. I have a ton wintered sown petunias in bloom and my zinnias oh man they are almost as tall as I am and I am 5'1. And my other plants are doing just as good. Ws(winter sowing) is so easy to do. All I did was to save milk jugs after the kids drank the milk bought so miracle grow moisture control (I think is the mane) soil and the seeds. I cut the milk jugs in half used a small hole punch punched about eight holes in the milk jug one at each corner and then one in the middle of the ocrner holes. Can't forget to use a sharp knife and "cut" drainage holes in the bottom of each jug by "stabbing" the milk careful not to cut yourself doing this. And then I just added the dirt to each jug and then planted the seeds oh and I used a sharpie pen to mark what I planted I wrote it in different places like on the label of the milk jug and then at the top of the jug. Once the seeds were added watered the jug and let it "drain" a little in the sink and then attached the top half with some florist wire that I cut into strips. And then the jug went out into the snow (this was about mid jam. that I did mine but I think others started way before I did. And then when the weather warmed up I just watered whenever the jug looked or felt dry careful not to let it get bone dry and once the threat of freezing was over I took off the lids (also after showing signs of growth). And then I transplanted the seedlings into the garden. No need to get the seedlings adapted to the outside since they have been outside all this time. The flowers for me did flower after the store bought ones showed up on the store shelves. But when other plants are about done my ws ones are just getting ready to put on their best show. And the best thing collect seeds for next year plants. Paula

I would like to add, that starting salvia splendens using minimal moisture is good, but once they start to grow, make sure you give them adequate water. The root ball expands rapidly and the large leaves dehydrates the plant in no time if you are not careful. This will lead to leaf drop. I recommend that you have larger pots available and transplant into these as soon as 2-4 sets of true leaves have developped. At this time, I like to use regular potting soil, rather than seed starting mixes to avoid rapid drying. Finally, do not be in too big a hurry to transplant outdoors as they hate cold soil. For the same reason, you can start these seeds later than most (e.g. 4 weeks before you put the rest of the seedlings outdoors)

No. It's not too late- they do not grow well until it's warm. Nice to see you posting again, Natanya. Renee