We recommend to nick the seeds before sowing.Nicking is not difficult.  Simply press the seed, underneath the tip of a fingernail, against a surface upon which it can be cut.  With a sharp razor cutter remove just the smallest amount of seed coat possible so that the white of the embryonic tissue is exposed.  Be sure to nick the round end, as this end is where the seedling leaves are found.

 

Seeds can be planted in a commercial seed starting medium or a mix can be made out of some combination of sand, perlite, vermiculite . The seeds are planted  1/4" to 1/2" deep in the mixture and should germinate in a week.It is best to keep the temperature about 80 to 85° F (about 28° C) and the medium moist, but not soggy.

In colder climates a heat mat to provide bottom heat is helpful.It is absolutely essential that you do not use too much water. Seeds will rot and will not germinate if they stay in a wet/soggy medium.