Lari, thanks for the response! I watched for a reply last night, but I was antsy, and my gut told me it would be ok, so I did. I soaked the entire batch over night. I would have called almost all of them a Grade #3 (1/2" - 1"). I just finished planting them this morning. I was hoping the soaking would give them a wake-up call and jump start if there was any life in them. I got them for 28 cents each, which was fine since they seem to mostly be going for 50 cents - $1 each this year (depending upon size). Actually, I may have paid retail now that I think about it, for Grade THREE bulbs.
Anyway, as you suggested, I planted them in moist soil and with the weather we are having in Jax, I expect to see them within a week or just a little more, if there is life in them. (I was a little concerned because they
floated when I put them in water to soak. I think healthier bulbs sink - am I right? Anyway, I kept trying to turn them to get them to float the way
I wanted them to, but they wouldn't. The kept flipping to their own preferred side up. So I took them out of that water, got out a flat tray with a high lip around the rim, set each one in it with the root-side down, and put about 1/4-1/2" of water across the bottom. That way they were properly oriented while soaking overnight. That worked well.)
Wow - I'm so excited about your berry harvest! The first of anything in a season is always exciting. Did these look good? Are you ready to rock and roll with your crosses? I'm sure you are....
Thanks again for the help,
Carol