I must admit that I aussäe for "Darwin Art", ie, the chilli peppers and seeds get at me any special treatment such as previous soaking, heating pad, or Tungsten. I use conventional seed compost with Perliteanteil and affordable rooms greenhouses from discounters and ask this heizungsnah ans south window. I have the Cayenne seeds sown at the same time as my other chilies and peppers, so I have the comparison to other plants / seeds. Two of 4 seeds have sprouted, so no "complete failure", but this variety is well worth the rather special treatment with a prior soaking, or at least double or triple sowing per pot. Since the dealer seed but sold really cheap and always arrive all deliveries quickly and completely, the price / performance ratio is in order and I forgive 4 stars.