I allowed both my cosmos and zinnia to hopefully self sow last season. I didn't deadhead at all and allowed the seeds to fall where they were. I'm starting to see signs of life from many plants, even my butterfly bushes have some new leaves showing around the bases. But no little sprouts where the zinnia and cosmos were. I have more seeds this year I meant to use to fill in a different bed but now I'm getting anxious (this is my first year with plants we put in coming back at this "new" house) and am thinking I might direct sow in the old bed too...But I don't want to overcrowd them either. When should I expect signs of life? I want to direct sow soon so things can get growing, probably this weekend is when I'm looking at getting it done.