One thing we take for granted in Southern California is our very long warm growing seasons, and our even shorter cold dormant season, which often only lasts for a month or two.

Because of this climactic benefit, it's very possible to see two growing cycles from pollination to seedling in one calendar year.

Here's a visual example of what I mean. I've planted my first seedlings on January 1st, set them outside by Valentine's Day, then by July/August, they have already become fairly large, and almost ready to come out of the gallon pots and into the 2 gallon:

Then, in the time frame of July/August, I will have my second set of ripened pods, and a second cycle of planting fresh seeds begins for the fall:

These seedlings will have time to get large enough to weather outdoors through winter, since they will have 4 good growing months, maybe even close to 5 months remaining to develop to be nearly as large as the first set. I've never lost a seedling yet by doing this process here. I tend to prefer this process, so that the bulk of my seeds are planted fresh from the pod, since these tend to be the times of year I have the highest yield of pods ripening. The pods that are currently developing will be ready approximately in time for my January 1st planting... and the cycle begins all over again.

For any Southern Californians that are thinking when/how to plant their seedlings, this information shows how you have quite an open window of opportunity for planting during the year.