I think they will need longer day lengths. It will take bottom heat to get them to come up. Set your heat pad around 80 degrees. Cool temps and they will rot. Don't keep them in the pots too long.
Pot growing is difficult because the nutrients are used in varying amounts.
One needs a degree in plant nutrition to properly grow in pots. Growing for 3 or so weeks shouldn't be a problem. As far as prepping them, just let them dry in an open container so they don't get moldy. The next spring, choose healthy ones to plant. Soak overnight in warm water.