Although unconfirmed, I have a suspicion that soaking the seeds in weak tea for six hours or so prior to sowing may vastly improve germination. I will run a test in a few weeks. See this thread for details:

www.southdevonchillifarm.co.uk/forum/9-g...i-varieties-for-2012

Maybe this will help ensure rapid germination for you.

I wouldn't worry about the cold weather either, heated propegators are cheap but anywhere warm-ish in the house will do.

well 5 of my original 10 seeds have germinated, 3 didnt come up at all and 2 got eaten by a slug!
(that must of either hatched in the compost or was already in it as was very small.)
The seedlings look leggy but are coping with the cold well. waiting for the second set
of leaves before i pot on to individual pots.

All in all not bad for an ebay purchase which i was dubious about if they'd actually
germinate.