I collect the seeds from my A.Crimson Velvet each year and save them until the following spring. Any self sown seedlings don't usually appear until spring so I guess that gives you the clue. From experience I have found that they don't like propagators. I might let them germinate with bottom heat then must take them out immediately before they damp off. They must be outside as soon as possible.

I get some self germination in autumn if there has been a cold spell then it warms up. Try popping some into a pot in the fridge for a week and bring them out. worth a try. if they dont germinate leave them until tthe spring and they probably will germinate.

I might hedge my bets and sow half of the packet. Thanks for your thoughts! :-)

Well, I did the deed. I sowed an old packet and the new one yesterday. Fingers crossed! I'll get another packet next spring if they don't germinate.