Stratification?

We just got a shipment of about 200 tree seeds from Lawyer Nursery, plus a bunch of Elaeagnus Commutata seeds for our hedge.

We were told the elaeagnus seeds would need to be stratified... isn't stratification basically just simulating being in the ground over the winter (cold, with a bit of moisture in the soil)?

It seems like if we put the Elaeagnus seeds in the ground now, they'll still get 2-3 months of cold weather + moisture, like, you know, they were real seeds in the ground instead of the fridge.

Any experience with this, and with planting before winter vs. stratifying?

you can do cold stratification outside the only problem with that is there are many many more things that can make the seed not sprout. i do all of my cold stratification in an unheated greenhouse. this keeps critters out, frost off, snow off, wind off, slightly warmer daytime temps. overall giving me a better germination rate.

that said when im doing seeds that i have a lot of, ill just do it outside and i get good enough results. but when im dealing with seeds that i paid for or only got a few of. i take the time to do it right.

if the seed needs the cold to germinate there is no point in not doing it, unless you feel like waiting longer or buying more seed.

I have no experience, but your logic is good. IMO, divide the seeds and try both methods.