Maximiliam Sunflower from Seed Indoors

I just wild harvested a couple of heads of maximilian sunflower from the side of the road. From what I've read, they need a dormant cold period before they will germinate. I want to grow them indoors. Has anyone had any experience doing this? Do I have to put them in the frig before I put them in soil?

If they need stratification, putting them in the fridge for 3 or 4 months will do the job.

Stratification usually means simulating a winter. Putting the dry seed in the refrigerator often won't do it.....you have to basically plant the seed in a pot, or at least mix it with some damp sand or soil, and then give it the cold treatment. Moisture, as well as cold, is necessary.

I've had success mixing some soil (very slightly moist) and seeds in a baggie, and sticking them in the fridge. In my experience the 3-4 months is unnecessary, seeds germinated in the fridge after a little more than a month, so you might want to keep an eye on them. My transplants seemed to hate being in pots, no matter the size. I'm not sure how well they would do grown fully indoors, but ya never know.