‘Pennie Black” or Penny Black it a great nemophila variety. If you live in the Pacific NW or northern California you could sow in the autumn, thinly outdoors, but I have no experience in growing them outside as seedlings. Most of the Californian species still germinate warm (60-70) and do not need any winter stratification or winter chilling. I just germinate mine under lights indoors, and then keep them around 50-60 in the cool greenhouse in spring – moving trays outdoors once the weather isn’t fierce, usually in late April. I still protect plants from frost, though. IF planted in rich soil (compost, potting mix) they form magnificent displays in large containers, but the show is always over once the weather turns hot and humid. Usually by early July.

I believe it is a nemophilia variety, likely ‘Penny Black’. I am not sure about winter sowing or early spring sowing on this one for your climate. It looks like it is a cali native flower that likes cool temps – so you might be in luck 🙂

I’m not sure what flowers you are talking about, but most here are all annuals. So you should be able to grow them all. If its the trumpet-shaped ones (the Phygelius capensis) then that might be more problematic in your zone. You coudl treat it as a tender tropical, but it may be difficult to find at garden centers. It’s not hardy here either, though, so if you can find it, try it in a warm spot. I just treat it as an annual, but it does bloom later in the summer.

I first learned about winter sowing from the Gardenweb Forums about 15 years ago. I was initially put off by the proselytizing and cultish fervor of its adherents but gave it a try. I pretty quickly came to the same conclusion you discuss here. Spring sowing is how it works here in MA. Without a grow light set up or sunny windows I found I could start seeds in traditional flats under domes out on my patio starting in March. I have to cut holes in the trays and domes and remove the domes on warm days which is work. Maybe milk jugs would be more carefree but I am not having my patio filled with recycling. Although most of what I grow this way could be directly sown this method allows me to prepare garden beds and have some control over germination. It also is a perfect way to manage biennials like foxgloves.

John

Thank you very much! They are beautiful and worth sourcing out

Thanks Lisa
You know what, I was wondering the same thing about those pink tubular flowers! That shot is from 2 years ago (I know, short-term-memory thing!). It’s Phygelius capensis or Cape Fuschia. I buy them every few years when I can find them either on-line or at a garden center, and I treat them as an annual as they never winter-over that well in my cold greenhouse. They come in a variety of colors (I love the pale yellow) but now that I see this, I think I need them again next summer!