I planted some seed last year and took no precautions. I just planted them in a medium fast draining soil the I had hanging around. The seeds were harvested from a plant that was "grab-able" on my wanderings around. They were fresh seed. The pod had just split on the plant. I got germination quicker than a month. BUT then I think either I let them dry out too much out doors or they were damped back. I am not a very cautious gardener. I do not know if this helps at all. I did get a lot of germination off of fresh seed.

This post was edited by wantonamara on Fri, Jan 30, 15 at 11:01

I find fresh seeds germinate best. I soak mine overnight in warm water then sow at 75F under glass on a heat mat. I've had great success doing this. Usually get 95% germ. in two weeks.
Below is link to 3-yr. old seed-grown specimens.

Here is a link that might be useful: seed grown Dyckias