Hi John, >>>>1) how much do they hybridize? Can I expect a true species from seed if they flowered when others right next to them bloomed? They hybridise very easily, and are insect pollinated by both bees and hoverflies, and quite possibly moths. >>>>2) When is the best time to start seed? Should I sow them now when they are fresh or wait until fall/winter to get them started? In a climate like yours, sow the seed straight away and keep them growing for as long as possible till they go dormant, autumn 2004. Keep feeding them all the time and you might even get flowering plants in eighteen months this way. 2-3 years is normal though. >>>>>3) Should they be divided now as the foliage is dying down or wait until later in the fall? If the foliage is dying down now, yes you can do it now, or you can wait until they start shooting again. I have often found that new shoots on Watsonias can be very brittle and break easy on propagation, thus dividing now is probably your best option. Be very careful when pulling them apart, Watsonia leaves can be very sharp when dry, and old flower scapes can splinter into your hands and fingers very easy also. When you dig them and break them up, remove some of the old tunics and check the health of the corms, if there are any pest (eg. thrips) or disease signs on the corms, now is the best time to treat it. Best Wishes, Dave Websites: http://www.theafricangarden.com/ http://www.crocosmiaheritage.com/ Address: David Fenwick NCCPG National Collection of Crocosmia with Chasmanthe and Tulbaghia The African Garden 96 Wasdale Gardens Estover Plymouth Devon England PL6 8TW --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com/). Version: 6.0.493 / Virus Database: 292 - Release Date: 25/06/03