A soil temperature of at least the 20 degrees Celsius is required for germination. I normally plant in Spring. Germination can be as little as 8 days or as long as 48 days depending on variety. I use top quality seed raising mix.
TIP: Place the seeds in a bowl. Boil some water. Wait a couple of minutes then pour water over seeds and leave overnight. Good seeds will sink, bad seeds will float. Discard any bad seeds. This process will help soften the seedcase and help germination.
You can transplant the seedling to the garden or a large pot when it has at least 4-6 leaves. The soil that I use is top quality potting mix. Chillies need good drainage. I have found that an eastern or north eastern aspect is the best because they get the morning sun and they are protected from the hot afternoon sun. Most chillies are not frost tolerant.
As chillies are the same family as tomatoes, potatoes and tobacco (Solanaceae), you can use the same fertilizer. I only fertilize after the plant is established i.e. from 7-8cm high. Fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 1.1.1 is preferable. Too high a nitrogen level is not preferable. I use half strength every 2 weeks for several weeks.