Cynthia,
I have used both methods not exactly as described, with great success. Here is what I do or have done:
stratification- I use small ziplock bags and place a small amount of moist vermiculite in the bag with the seeds. This process takes several weeks for the seeds to sprout. (maybe 6 weeks) Currently I have over 4000 seedlings growing from this method. I have had a few that mold but a small percentage. (1bag out of 100)
Water/Peroxide - I use small plastic mouthwash cups -the kind you can buy 100 for a couple of dollars.
I mix the water and peroxide and pour some in each cup and put the seeds in. Within a week or less, most of the seeds will sprout. Some will begin as soon as 1 day and others in the same cup take longer. I have thousands of seedlings growing in my gardens from this method. They do not need to go in the dark. Just sit them anywhere in the house and they will sprout. You can't just leave them for a long time or they can rot or mold.
After sprouting, I plant in cups, pots, or trays.
