Here in California the seeds germinate on the ground from fallen fruit. They don't seem very picky. I'll put many on top of the soil in a 5 gallon container with about 1 inch of soil on the top. Left outside (75 degree days, 55 degree nights) they germinate and are then transplanted to individual pots. The seeds shouldn't be dry as the germination rate falls. We are on the cool CA coast, but low humidity. They grow like weeds with little care.