Clematis texensis seeds germinating NOW - what to do???

Hi all,
Last November, I sowed some seeds from my Clematis texensis, in a pot. I sunk the pot in the ground for the winter and lifted the pot this spring. I have not paid any attention to the pot, until now, and, actually, I had forgotten about the pot completely. Thankfully, I put a label in the pot.

The seeds are just STARTING to germinate. Why now?

Shouldn't the seeds germinate in the spring? Some of the seedlings have shed the seed coat and others are just starting to germinate. None of the seedlings have any true leaves; there are just cotyledons, so far.

Do I leave the seedlings outside to fend for themselves, in a zone 4 winter or should I bring the pot inside and put it under lights? I have fluorescent lights and I have a high pressure sodium unit in the basement where it will be very cool - approx. 55ºF, through the winter.

I have tried to get C. texensis seeds to germinate for years and this is the first success I have ever had, so I don't want to mess this up. This week is going to be VERY cold so time is of the essence.

Any suggestions/help will be appreciated.
Thanks,
Mike
(edit to fix something)

This message was edited Nov 4, 2007 6:28 PM

Try Clematis On The Web site for advice.

Personally, I would go for the cool light and temp in your basement.
High humidity is a must.

Let us know how they do.

Corinne

Thanks, Corinne, I'll check out COTW to see what they say.
Mike