Most of us in the lower zones don't winter sow annuals like petunias or impatiens because they would take too long to bloom. I start mine in the house in March. Thing is, you could give it a shot and see what happens, and let us know. :)

I've had petunias reseed themselves in planters, so I don't see why you couldn't try "wintersowing" them in the fall. I'd give the pinks a try too..no babysitting should be necessary, unless the containers get blown over in the wind. (Though, I'm in zone 6 so my advice my be inappropriate for Calgary).

I guess I wasn't too clear in my question. :D

Does it make any difference whether I sow them in November or March? November is when I'm in town but I read people talking about winter sowing them in March.

I'll give those petunia's a try, though it may be a long shot! I just love them so much!

How does starting them in the house make it easier? I guess you can start them earlier and they will sprout earlier?

I think you misunderstood, or i wasn't clear. :) I don't winter sow petunias at all, but grow them in the house, i.e., i'm not starting them inside and then putting them outside when they sprout. Around here, we can very seldom put tender annuals out earlier than May.

When will you be back in Canada? If it's later than March or April, you might as well just buy the petunias.

I do not think it would make a difference if you sowed them in November or March. They will sprout according to nature's plans in either case. I winter sowed petunias for about 3 years now: this year in April and May. Of course, they were not in bloom until late June which is fine with me because I have lots of bulbs and perennials to fill my gardens until they bloom. So if you just want to winter sow petunias, you may wait until you return, but if you want blooms from May or June, store-bought would be your best bet. What I like about winter sowing my petunias is that they do not go through that leggy stage, and bloom right up to the frost. Good luck!

We have a short enough season as it is our 0-3 zones. I too will only start Petunias indoors for that instant splash of colour for the May long weekend.

If you don't mind having puny seedlings by July 1st then wintersow them in March.

I sometimes have petunias self-sow. They're always a nice surprise, but don't make nice plants until late July or mid August. I would guess wintersowing might give you some later season color. It would be fun to try, a packet of ordinary petunia seeds isn't that expensive!
Connie