Yes to the first question and it is discussed in more detail over on the Seed Saving forum.

No to the second question as a general rule. There is a limit to the tolerance for stratification before the seed will either rot and die or try to germinate. It is a case where "more is NOT necessarily better" so that is why specific strat times are given for most varieties.

For best germination results stick to the prescribed strat times.

Dave

Thanks!

What would be the best thing to do with the seeds that I'm stratifying? I know I can't start them now, as they'll get too spindly before they can be transported outside, but I'm not sure if they're a lost cause or not. None of them have started to germinate yet from what I'm able to see.

Oh if you are already stratifying them - I thought you hadn't started them yet - then there really isn't anything you can do but to let them be and hope for the best. Or you can go ahead and plant them indoors, in pots, under supplemental lights to keep them from getting leggy, and plan to transplant them up to larger containers a couple of times until they can safely go outside.

Dave

Alright! Thanks for the advice. Thankfully I have a lot of room and pots, so it shouldn't be too much of a problem.