American BeautyBerry seed - how to germinate?

In doing research after purchasing American Beauty Berry seeds (SE native understory shrub), it seems they need a cold period of 3-4 months before they will germinate. I planted some in a six pack in seed starting mixture, wetted down, stuck in a baggie and placed in the fridge. Now I'm thinking should I have put them in the damp seed starter medium? Maybe I should just put the seed into a baggie and stick in the fridge, THEN place in damp seed starter when I'm ready to put them out into the warmth for germination. Do you think they'll rot in the damp seed starter in the Fridge?

I posted this originally in the Winter Sowing forum but it was suggested I repost here.

My thanks for your time and advice.

Mary

From this web site: http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Callicarpa+americana


Propagation:

Seed - sow February in a greenhouse[78]. Only just cover the seed[138]. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 18°c[138]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

Thank you Kay, for the helpful link.

Perhaps leaving the seeds in the starter medium is the thing to do. Think I'll double check to be certain they're not too deep or medium too wet and will then see how they do.

Mary

Please - post pictures so we can celebrate your success!!!

Hi Kay,

If successful, will certainly post photos of the little guys when I see green.

Mary

Has anyone tried to propagate 'Duet' yet? Mine are too small to bloom but as it is variegated, I don't know if it will come true from seed or if cuttings are the way to go.
I have tried to root cutting of both the purple and white berry varieties with no luck.