Ramey Rieger (X) Feb 6, 2015:

the term is sowing starter seeds/or germinate http://theherbgardener.blogspot.de/2013/04/how-to-grow-valer...
If you really want to try growing valerian from seed: Unlike basil and other hardy herb seeds that can stay viable in storage for years, germination rates for valerian seeds are iffy at the best of times, so get your seeds while they're hot (uh, fresh) and use them soon after purchase. Plant them in rich, well worked, loose soil to a depth of an 1/8 inch or so.

You can plant seeds directly in the garden in spring (they're frost hardy), but watch out for birds. Seeds germinate close to the surface and need a bit of light to quicken, so they're good candidates for predation. Keep them uniformly moist and they should germinate in a week to 10 days. You can also start seeds indoors. (You'll almost always obtain the best results by reading and following the instructions on the seed packet you buy.)

martina1974 (asker) Feb 6, 2015:

Thank you for your help. The variety described is valerian

Ramey Rieger (X) Feb 6, 2015:

Sunflowers? It would help to know which plant is being sown here, as sunflowers are started (vorgezogen), if at all, in March and set out in April. There may be absolutely no difference betwee 'Directsaat' and 'Aussaat' - once more, depending on the plant.
Sowing from March to June; mid-July starters may be set out in August, direct sowing also in August.