You can start them any time. Most people just start them whenever they'll be able to have the time to take care of them.
I always soak and peel. Some people say you don't have to if they are fresh, but I still do. I soak overnight, but I am sure a few hours would be fine. Just dig a fingernail in and scrape the cork off, and you'll have a small bean shaped seed inside. Plant it about 1/4 to 1/2" deep, and cover it with something clear so they can get light, but it will keep the humidity in. They usually sprout within a week or two. Don't be too nervous...they are easy.

Great advice!!! You will do fine!!!â¥

Kylie

I start them the same way that Shawn does except I don't always cover the seed trays. If I'm starting them this time of year outside or in the greenhouse I leave them uncovered. If I start them inside I'll cover them to hold in moisture. However you start them just make sure your soil isn't too wet or they might rot. Be careful when peeling the cork. Those little buggers get slippery and I've had more then I can count shoot out between my fingers. You don't have to remove every last bit of cork. It won't hurt if a little bit remains stuck to the seed.

I start my seeds over the winter. I sterililze the soil for an hour in a slow oven- this prevents damping off. I soak my peeled seeds in a solution of a few drops of Hydrogen peroxide in a little water, and pour it over the soil once I plant all of one kind of cross in a 1-quart pot. Make sure the soil is damp, not wet!!! And I put the pot inside of a gallon freezer bag- mini greenhouse, til all the seeds have sprouted, removing the ones that sprout to small pots with sterilized soil for the first transplant.
Good luck- it is very rewarding, and the anticipation to see what comes of your seeds is thrilling!
~Brenda