Studies to determine the length of time and the conditions needed for successful stratification are common. Many types of seed have been studies extensively and conditions are well determined. Some rarer types may not have had much study. For the most part, those stratification requirements you see are probably based on one of those studies. If 5% of some type of seed germinates without stratification, 20% germinates after 2 months,......and 95% germinate after 4 months, you will probably see recommendations for 120 day stratification. In some cases, the lengths may be guesses. If seeds require stratification and you don't provide sufficient time for that process, much of the seed will not undergo the physical and chemical changes necessary to break dormancy.

Thanks so much for your response. Again, the fridge has worked fine for me but I think only because the seeds I was sowing didn't need a true cold stratification period. One of the seeds I am sowing is Dictamnus alba. There is conflicting info on it. One site says: "Propagation of Burning Bush plants can only be accomplished by seed. Fresh seeds should be planted ý" deep in the garden in late fall, for spring germination, or the seeds can be started indoors, after chilling for 4-6 weeks in the refrigerator. Maintain a temperature within the planting medium of 55ð-60ð. Germination takes 30-40 days. It will take up to four years for your seed grown Burning Bush to bloom, so unless you are very patient gardener, you are probably better off to purchase your plants from a good nursery." And the Clothiers database says: "Sow at 23úC (73úF) for 6-8 wks, move to +4úC (39úF) for 6-8 wks, raise temperatures slowly to10úC (50úF) for germination, recycle, as germination may take a second year. Short viable." Obviously these are very different and only lend to my confusion. Thanks!

If finished with stratification should be sent in plastic to stay moist. If minimum amount of cold period met (this varies with the kind of plant) then moving to warm period now should not be a problem.

Hey! If they are starting to split, go ahead and pot them up. Giving them Cold strat. while they have radicles starting to come out would not be good. Only pot up the sprouted ones though.