I think of these as randomly covered and uncovered dependents in nature; they're on the ground and ready to go, but they need just the right amount of matter to fall over them for the required time of darkness, and then might need another random act to reach the light. Leaf cover that moves in by wind and away by bird, seeded ground that is disturbed at an opportune time by squirrels or other foragers, rain to wash away the layer of covering, etc.
I sow mine very sparingly now, and as soon as the first one sprouts I provide light. If I don't get enough from that batch, I'll set it aside for potting up and start another.
Vermiculite sowing makes this so very easy to do.
