Deciphering seed pack language

Looking at some perennial seed packs I see the phrase " blooms first year from seed if started early."
Is that assuming a start in early spring indoors? Would winter sowing be considered "early". Sorry for such a basic question, but the descriptor does not specify if started early indoors or outside.

What are you trying to grow?

I have seen that on a number of items particularly some double bloom hollyhocks.

Based on what I am reading on google.com, it sounds as if you can scatter/plant them in the fall for summer blooms. They self-seed readily.

Holly Hocks are Bi-Annuals. I did have one last year that did bloom first year.
Generally, you get foliage the first year, second year you get blooms, but seeds fall to the ground and will germinate pretty quickly... those will bloom the next year... so once you have them blooming, you should have them every year after that.

Here are some HH seedlings, with a visitor that hung out most the season.

How cute! That reminds me that I need to put some pots to work as toad houses' this year!

For the past 2-3 yrs, I've had one that lives in my WS jugs... ya figure, they are usually damp. they're so cute.