Question
QUESTION: I have about 100 seeds that I have collected from the day lilies in my yard.  If I want to plant them in the spring, how would you recommend. I have a big garden in Decatur, Illinois. I have read how to do it if it was early in the year.  Thank You for any help.  Bill

ANSWER: Hi Bill,
Thanx for your question.  If you want to plant them in the spring, the cold treatment is still required although I have had some germinate in spite of this requirement.  To get the best germination, I would go ahead an begin the cold treatment in January and by March, they will be ready to plant.  You place the seeds in a damp paper towel and seal inside a plastic baggie and keep in the fridge from January to March.  After that, take the seeds out and plant them 1/4-1/2 inches in potting soil and keep moist but well drained.  Keep warm, around 70?75癋 and the seedlings emerge in a couple weeks.  They look like grass.  Transplant into separate cells when they are large enough to handle.  I hope this helps.
Tom

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QUESTION: Would the day lilly seeds survive the cold winter if I was to plant them out side now.  Another question,  Hardy Astible, they grow and bloom but never have any color, just green blooms.

Answer
Hi Bill,
Thanx for your question.  Absolutely, you can plant your daylily seeds outdoors and they will survive the winter.  Make a nursery bed which is simply just a nice clean, clear spot in the garden that you can cordon off from the rest of the garden.  Don't allow any weeds to grow in the spot.  Plant the lily seeds in late fall about 1/2 inch deep and let nature take its course.  In the spring, the majority of your lily seeds should sprout and they will look like grass.  

Astilbe is pretty tough and in hot areas, likes protection from afternoon sun.  Perhaps it's not really astilbe you have because astilbe should be various shades of pink, lavender, purple and red.  Are they growing perhaps in too much shade?  I had mine in partial shade and they bloomed although not really well, they were somewhat colorful.  In your area of Illinois, the astilbe would benefit from afternoon shade but should not be shaded all day long for best blooming.

I hope this helps.
Tom