I'm germination testing the seeds I've collected to see how they'll do (realizing that some do need a waiting period, such as the salvia, so this may not quite be valid for those).

Testing method is to place 10 seeds on a paper towel, damp it, and toss it in a plastic bag. I'll check it for seed germination (radicle and cotyledon emergence) at various times and keep counts.

I'm testing:

Helitrope, 2 Marine parents (I have no other cultivars in the garden)
Marigold, French, Durango Flame parent
Marigold, French, Janie Gold parent
Marigold, French, Janie Orange parent
Melampodium, Showstar parents (no other cultivars in the garden)
Salvia, Bonfire parent (might have crossed with Red Hot Sally, or might not)