I believe the key to sowing the seed in the ground is not to refrigerate them. I shell the seeds out of the pods, then let them dry over night. Then, I put the fresh seed in little paper coin envelopes, with the flap open so they get air. I store them that way till time to plant in very late fall or early winter.
Once I refrigerated them - and none came up. Total loss.
The seed will shrivel and dry like a raisin.
I count the seed before planting, and put the number on the tag that marks the cross.
I usually have 85-90% germination direct sowing outdoors.
