I haven't tried it but was intrigued by your needing to live to a ripe old age to see them germinate so looked it up. Check out http://www.actahort.org/members/showpdf?booknrarnr=620_52 suggests 3 months for germination - 1 month at 18 deg followed by 2 months at 5.5 deg (not sure how you would ensure the 5.5 deg (unless you check what temp your fridge operates at)

I can see the economics of buying seeds rather than a small tree and you will have the satisfaction that you grew yours from seed.

Thanks Urbanite for the link. The instructions in the packet give the 'complicated' version, and then suggest "or place in a cold frame and let nature take its course", adding "I find this gives the best results" (!!)

So naturally, I will try the lazy way . . .

Good luck with them.