I have ws actae (Cimicifuga racemosa) and have had germination after 2 winters. The first summer I sat the jugs in a shaded area with only rainfall for moisture and next winter put them in my veg garden bringing them to the patio in the spring where they germinated. The inside was covered with moss with the actae seedlings growing through the moss. Some plants were given away at swaps.

The ones I planted in my gardens bloomed this year (and smelled heavenly) in midsummer.
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The NOID actae seeds I had were from trades and none of the seedlings had black/dark foliage. These planted by the fir tree may need more sun. I plan to move them to the driveway bed where the one blooming above is planted. (Actae on the right)
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I also have a 'Hillside Black Beauty' plant that bloomed this year and collected seed which I will sow this winter.

Good luck and keep me posted with your results.

Eileen, I will wish you good luck, but with your sucess with WS, I don't believe it is all luck! Could it be just a "natural green" thumb? :)

Hinkley, Explorers Garden prop. notes, says 'seeds sown immediately after harvest in autumn and exposed to the rigors of low temperatures of winter - germination may occur the following spring, but in all likelihood it will take an additional year.'

Gardenweed, it seems you were somewhat distracted and had other things on your mind this Fall :) Like where to have a hot shower....

I have a large (over many years) clump of Brunette and one of the green foliaged but most years I don't try sowing. I don't deadhead, however if frost doesn't get the stems before the seeds are ripe, the chickadees will beat me to the seeds :)

I would love to try some seeds from your Hillside black snakeroot if you have any left. I have tried several times but in the spring and never had any come up. Please look over my list to see if I may send you any seeds in return.

Ellie