Fresh seed

I have normally only sowed seeds in spring, either because I have bought packets, or because they were my own seed collected in the previous autumn from late flowering plants. But I have just collected a small amout of seed from Arabis blepharophylla, and plan to sow it now to produce plants that will flower early next year. Does anyone have any views on, or experience of, sowing just after a plant has set seed. Is it more natural for plants to germinate just after seeding or is early spring a more normal time. Whilst I have Arabis in mind, I am interested in the general case.



This Arabis is new to me, and I found it to be delightful - though its not reliably hardy. It flowered all through April, with some flowers all through May as well. just at a time when colour was a bit short. It has since given me a crop of seed, and I see it is now coming back into flower again.

 

I personally sow the seeds as soon as they drop and have 100% success with my Poppies...Never ever get the same results with bought seeds,Yup fresh is best sowing whilst the soil is warm and wet....you can't miss!

 

Thanks rosietu - you have encouraged me. I do find quite a bit of bought seed doesn't germinate. I always thought it was me - and obviously some is - but I do think some purchased seed is not viable.