Q: I purchased some seeds for exotic roses, including Black Dragon and Abracadabra but I don’t know beans about growing them. Can you give me quick tips?

A: The best time to plant rose seeds is in late April, in a sunny spot outdoors. You won’t have success sprouting them indoors. The flowers of the roses you get from the seeds will not be like the pictures you saw when ordering. Roses do not come true from seed: they will have characteristics from both parents. Even if both parents were so-called Black Dragon, the offspring will be a mix of colors. That said, I encourage you to plant the seeds next spring and see what you get. When they bloom a year later you may get a flower you like very much.