These come right from our fields in Maine and were just harvested a few weeks ago. Germination rate: 90% Seeds have been cold stratified so if you are a late bloomer with planting you are taken care of. These are legumes (beans) and fix nitrogen so they are great for your soil, plus they return every year. You should soak them just like you would any beans to enhance germination and time. These are great deterrents for critters and deer if you need an "invisible" fence. Give them a try. If you need more than this 500 (like say 10,000) for a large acreage or field let me know and I can make a bundle. This is a mix of purple, pink, white and yellow. Seeds are shipped via first class mail to keep prices low. This is a great deal for the price. Thanks for looking