coolplantsguy, I got this plant marked down pretty late in the season, october end I think. It had a few yellow flowers at that time. I did not find any berries later in the season. The upper growth looks pretty mush so hopefully it returns next year. The link I posted was started by a different poster.

I lookup the stratification requirements when I am making up my plant tags. Then I write on the tag "ws" for wintersow and "ss" for spring sow. If it is something that may need multiple warm cold warm cycles I also write on it "slow" and the date sown. That way if it isn't sprouted by summer I know to keep watering it and move it to a shady spot over the summer so it won't completely dry out before next winter. I file my seed packets I plan to sow and prepared labels in a tub with sections for sowing early winter, late winter/spring, and tender-only sow after frost. This is just to make sure I get the things that NEED cold out first. Then I can take my time doing the things that might need a bit of cold or fluctuating temps or at last can handle cold. The tender things can wait, some of them get done in my "wintersowing containers" and some get direct sown. That decision depends on how many of the seed I have, where it is going, how quickly it germinates, and of course how much potting mix I have left! I always end up underestimating how much I am going to do each year. So, there are still reasons why some of us research the seed's needs, but it is definitely not required for a successful experience. If you like researching that info - do it, if not skip it altogether or maybe just do it for those very special seeds. You will also learn what works best for you over the years and tweak the routine to suit your needs.

Linda, I know you will enjoy the Bapstisia Australis. Nice sharp purple and the colour and freshness of the foliage stays all season. Here's mine, which flowered for the first time this year... The Asclepias Milkmaid was a challenge for me last year in terms of germination. Did get a few, but they were so tiny even by the fall. Not sure if they'll make it through the winter. I will be winter sowing the Ligularia Vorobeivii as well this year. I got the seeds from one of my plants. Truly a stunning plant when in bloom, and it's deer resistant so far. I had the other Ligularia which you list, but had to turf it since the slugs got to appreciate it more than I but if it does well in your gardens, be prepared for the most iridescent and stunning orange you've ever seen! Truly a nice one! Not doing the solstice thing this year, but do enjoy seeing all the lists as the ideas are pouring out!

I think early spring would be best, but after flowering would be second choice. We got a bunch of them donated for the GNPS sale and I had to whack them back hard. They responded well to that (Feb/Mar). The bark is very nice; this plant needs more exposure in the public. Maybe if I give bobbygil a small one he will upgrade my sandwich to a combo.