Yes...they need to be very fresh and planted right away and saoked before planting. I have found that transplanting from the wild is the very best way to have them. Do you know someone to share them with you? If all else is up in your garden you will nto see them this year and probably never.

The seed must be FRESH!!!!!!! Store the seed at 40F for 30 days then do NOT cover the seed (light required for germination) soil temp 60F time to germination 40 days.....

I would probably plant them out, where they might get some protection if you have or know of a location. I would then mulch heavily later. Here is a thread that discusses seeds dropping and germinating naturally. Tell me about winter aconite Evidently little shallowly naturally planted seedling make it just fine in nature. I'd get them planted out asap...not very deep, and then sometime b4 the ground freezes, add the mulch. Sue...wishing you well...love aconites!

Ok. Let's make this go down the page. :-)