evilviscountess is right about the fridge thing, and it does work. Also, however, they don't do well in good old California hard pan. Unless you're growing them in pots, you'll need to improve the soil: loosen it up, mix it with new soil, compost, all that.

Or you could just grow them in pots like I do - its a lot less trouble. You'll still have to do the fridge thing, but it's still easier.