I have a feeling you could probably do either, but I'm not sure how pot culture would affect the seeds over winter. Pots are more susceptible to swings in temps and moisture levels, but I have a feeling it probably wouldn't affect the seeds. They might sprout earlier next spring in the pots, so you would have to watch them carefully and make sure they have moisture when they do sprout. Why don't you do both? The first couple of years I grew this verbena, I always started them inside around March, but then I realized they self-sowed like crazy and there really wasn't any need to do so. The ones started inside did mature and bloom earlier, but that was about the only advantage. One other thing: Are you sure you want to grow these in pots? I'm having a hard time picturing them growing this way because they grow so tall (over 4 feet), but maybe you're using really big pots. Kevin

i wouldn't plant the seeds next to the parent unless you plan on moving them soon after their first year. they'll end up growing together and you'll get a mishmash of different plants in one clump. the seeds germinate better with at least three weeks of stratification (cold). i usually start mine in the greenhouse in november to give them a big headstart. you can direct sow them and they'll germinate next spring or you can dry them for at least 24 hours and then store them in the fridge and it'll give you something to do this winter. provided you have the room and the time for winter sowing. the way i germinate my seeds is to put some water with a little peroxide, the seeds will usually germinate in a few days. after that i plant the ones that germinated and discard the rest. cuts down on soil and space.

marie, what xiangirl said is true. Look around you: the planet is primarily green. Plants/seeds know what to do and when according to their genetic code. Did I have failures? Yup! I didn't lament them because I knew that it was ME who didn't provide them with what they needed to sprout and thrive. You asked for suggestions. Here's one - stand back and let them do what comes naturally. I'm in southern New England so I live on the opposite side of the continent from where you are. If I look at a map of the Pacific Northwest, it's warmer and wetter than where I live but it's still the continental U.S. Our climate and growing conditions may be different but we're still on the same planet and still in the same country. I suggest you open your mind to possibilities rather than accept what you've been previously told about growing from seed. I did and have been amazed at (and rewarded by) the results. Ex: two little old ladies walked down my driveway last year and stood gazing, apparently amazed by my garden beds. I walked out to see what they wanted and answered all their questions about my garden beds. They left--45 minutes later--still amazed.

Indeed, I am getting off to a very late start with these seeds but I do have a good reason for it lol. I had originally started 30 plants using the wet paper towel method, no stratification. I've found that the stratification period isn't necessary if you do scarification before putting them in the towels. You just have to take a decent sized chunk off with nail clippers. Anyway, those 30 seeds grew into beautiful seedlings, I got them all planted out in the garden, then something (probably a bird) took nearly all of them in the first day and a half. Having clary sage is part of my dream garden and I refused to give up so I started over with the last of my seeds. Maybe I should go ahead and plant them in peat pots indoors, under the grow light. Just long enough to get them established and then plant them out. You are right about the heat. It's already reaching 100° here. mxk3 - Thank you so much for your instructions! That's exactly what I needed to know. I'm going to get started with planting them right away. I don't think I can wait for them to grow their first leaves. Their cotyledons are almost to the top of the container already.