how deep in the pot?? .. i hope not at the bottom ... regardless... the 50 degrees at night sounds pretty cold to stimulate a warm weather annual to germinate ... i might try bringing them into the house for extra warmth, until they sprout, then out to the balconey ... if i had more than one pot.. hence your use of the term 'pots' ... i might try some in.. some out.. and see if my wormth theory does impact the time to sprout .... anyway .. 9 days isnt a lot of time in cool temps... be patient ... good luck.. ken

Some seeds completely lose viability shortly after they are ripe and can't hack dry storage, but most are fine with dry storage, and a lot of seeds actually benefit from dry storage and become easier to germinate over several years, with then gradually decreasing viability. What's important is how they are stored. If they are exposed to heat or humidity, their viability can decrease greatly. But if they are kept cool and dry, they can last for many years. Seed banks store seeds dry and frozen and estimate 200+ years of seed viability under these conditions. The best thing to do is test some seeds from each batch. Then you will know what you are starting with. You can usually do a quick germination test on a wet paper towel. Then store the ones that are good in dry, cool conditions.

ORGS suggests seed begins to lose viability after 6 mo dry storage. I wouldn't wait to winter sow, I'd do it now... Hardy Plant Society - Surface sow seeds onto mix and keep at 55-68F for four weeks, if no germination move to fridge for 5 weeks, after move to 65F. Germination from 14-30 days. Or sow, put outside in a sheltered location early fall.

that's great that they germinated for you! Don't plant out until all chances of frost are gone, so you still have time to see if the others will germinate. Also, don't worry about only having 2 they multiply like crazy if cared for properly. Last year I planted 10 and dug up 110 in Oct! You'll love them!