Aconitum - Lots of people have trouble with these from commercial seed, Clothier notes seeds are short viable. A warm moist period preceding cold moist seems to help. Aquilegia vulgaris - can have erratic germination and may take several months at 40F Rodgersia - don't cover seed, may take 14 - 60 days at 60F Caltha - 'Marsh marigold' - I direct sow fresh seed in Fall Gentiana asclepiadea and seems recommended for most - warm, cold, cool germinator, barely cover seed if at all Stylophorum diphyllum - Sow 41F, germination irregular, often several months - which makes it an easy self sower here with our mild wet Fall and Winter into Spring

Here is a link to a germination database. It seems that they are best planted fresh. This particular company sends them when they already have signs of germination. Apparently, the seeds have a reputation for being difficult to germinate. I see this company pretreats them for germination. Here is a link that might be useful: Growing Your Own Miracle Fruit from seed

Hi Greengardener, I had great success germinating about half a dozen types of seeds last year, that were packed for 1998 or earlier. Some had never been opened, but the red Zinnias had been sown before and they were packed for 1991! Much of the seed viability will depend on how the seeds were stored. Was it a cool dry place? I store mine in the fridge. You can perform a germination test on a few of the seeds to check their viability. I did this last Spring on some tomato, cucumber, and chile pepper seeds. I got nearly 100% germination! Btw, I am doing some germination tests on some of the seeds I collected Fall 08. It's great fun!

Just_me: Last year was my first year, and I put my containers in several spots, some being in full sun, just to see what worked best. The containers didn't care where they were, they all grew equally. The only difference I found was that the ones in full sun dried out a lot quicker, and if I didn't either take the top off during the day if it got too warm they fried. I too would wait until they get their first true leaves. They will be a little stronger come plant out time. Good luck!