Every year is different. Yes, it seems like C. chinense take longer than Annuums, and Wilds and Pubescens longer even then those. Most years my germination times are close, with a little spread between the species. This year I settled into a program after many trials that I was comfortable to put most of my eggs (seeds) in one basket. After 150 or so sprouts that popped up in about 4-8 days time the species are even. Not complaining about that.