Dave, Thank you for this interesting information, which explained clearly why our early summer sowings of Galanthus and Cyclamen succeed so much better then when planted in the autumn. It may also explain why the "floating method" is in some cases so effecient. Regards Lauw de Jager http://www.bulbargence.com/ South of France (zone 8 Olivier) le 17/11/03 21:08, DaveKarn@aol.com à DaveKarn@aol.com a écrit : Although I've not always been able to follow the advice about planting the seed as soon as it is falls from the capsule, it is probably wise to do so. When fresh, the seed is plump and shiny black. As it dries in preparation for dormancy, it shrinks and becomes matte black. The dormancy inhibitors formed during this process have to be washed away by rainfall before the seed will sprout. In other words, planted fresh in June in this climate one will often see the little spears of growth in late Fall. Planted in Spring ( seed harvested the previous June ), the seed will not germinate until the following Spring.