Yes they will break the soil with light .Germinating is just some where dark and moist tricking it that winter water is melting away sun making it warmer the root pokes out the seed then pushes the seed up threw the soil (towards the light) then the leaves push the seed off and it starts growing either under 24 hours a day or 18/6 like alot of people do because of it being more natural. Im really high trying to explain its kinda hard I think I forgot what you asked?
I think they can germinate anywhere thats moist with the right temp and drop of water they would prolly crack open.