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 and the temperature. I use top quality seed raising mix.
I transplant the seedling to a 12 cm pot when it has at least 4 leaves. The soil that I use is top quality potting mix and river sand - ratio 3 to 1 . 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 fertilize with half strength liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks after re-potting until the plant is firmly established. Then full strength fertilizer can be used. A slow release fertiliser is also good.