Question
I live in mid-Alabama and it is the middle of July.  Is it too late to start asters, dianthus (chedder pink), and pansies for fall blooming?  Is it true that pansies seed propagation should be in complete darkness to start with?

Answer
Hi Julie,
Thanx for your questions.  I used to live in what we called "LA", Lower Alabama but was actually the panhandle of Florida.  Great to hear from you.  It is rather late to start the plants you mentioned unless you can assure night temps of 65-70 degrees and day temps no more than 75 degrees.  These plants will not germinate readily outside in 80 plus degree temps. Pansies do not require darkness.  I always start mine by spreading them over potting soil, lightly covering them (so some are exposed to light) and I get tons of germination.  I hope this helps.
Tom