Is there any way to tell if the seeds are fertile before going to the trouble of starting them?

How long does it need to be chilled?
I was going to place them in the refrigerator since our winters can be mild here.

How long is the germination period?
I tried to start some of my large-flowered clems last Spring and didn't have a lot of success. But I didn't have any way to proof the fertility of the seeds.

Does this seed come true?
I know that the hybrid clems can cross with other hybs if they are close by, but is that also true for the Sweet Autumn?

I'm sorry if these questions are redundant, but I checked out the FAQs and the links I could find in other posts and really didn't see much on Sweet Autumn.

Thanks for any help you can offer. Cheryl

I can tell you that I have had pretty good results with other seeds that come up in unexpected places by sowing them into pots in the fall and leaving them outside to the rain and cold all winter. In the spring I begin watering and they will often come up, sometimes even before I begin watering. If you have an ongoing supply of seed, it's worth a try. Sorry I cannot be more specific.