Hellebores

Does anyone know how long it takes to germinate Hellebore seeds and if there is any special method? Do they need to be cooled first? Thanks.

I will tell what I know and what I have heard.I would say that they do need a stratification period.I have read where people have had them self sow in cold climates.My experience with them has been a slow start.I bought 3 plants.I planted them in shade.First year,they did nothing.Second year one died,and the two remaining plants grew some.It took four years in the ground to get blooms.Don't forget they were one year old plants when I bought them.Five years to get flowers.Are you kidding me?Nope.I was told it is normal to take three years to get blooms.I can not imagine growing these plants from seed.They are really pretty.This year was the best yet.I would actually like to move them.They take too long to get established.If I move them,will it take five more years to get blooms?I am not going to find out.They are finally doing well and they are staying put.Good luck,Edge

Thanks edgeoftheworld, I read a piece that someone sent me and it says about the same thing you did.
We got our first Hellebores as young seedlings in the Spring and grew them in pots until the Fall and then planted them in the ground. That was Spring 2007 and almost all bloomed this year. A few bloomed last year and we have some seedlings coming up around the mother plants. They were from a friend who bought a mix, so they range from white to light purple. We live in an area where deer are taking over, just not at our house, big dogs. Hellebores are really deer proof.