penstemon from seed without coldframe?

Any experience growing Penstemon fruticosus from seed, without a coldframe?

I want to give these seeds the best chance of germinating, my guess is a whole lot of patience.

Thanks

I haven't tried that species in particular but I have had good luck with using milk jugs as miniature cold frames for sprouting seeds that need stratifying.

Cut the jug so it opens like a clam shell. Punch a few drainage holes in the bottom. Fill with damp soil and seeds. Fasten closed with duct tape or twist ties. Place outside in a sheltered area (so it won't blow away). Once things start warming up in the spring keep an eye on the moisture levels.

Cool idea, thanks for the tip Jessica - will track some down and give it a try!

http://www.motherearthliving.com/gardening/cold-frame-for-herbs-make-milk-jug-seed-starters.aspx


to add to thread:

"Many penstemon seeds require a long cool, moist stratification time before they will germinate. Cold stratification consists of growing the seed in a moist medium at temperatures just above freezing. This is especially true for northern species."

http://apsdev.org/propagation/seeds.html