Question
What do you mean by "nick the seed".  I put one seed in potting soil in my house and nothing for weeks now.  If I dig up the seed and cut a small slit in it, is that what you mean???  I am also in Malibu, California.

Answer
This process is called stratification. Stratification can be accomplished by lightly marring the seed with a knife using a small incision or by lightly rubbing the seed on sand paper. Similar to soaking the seed in tepid water for 8 hours, this will break down the outer shell and speed germination.

The best detailed description of stratification I have found is attached below. If after reading this article you have any questions, please write back and I will be happy to clarify that particular subject.  

http://www.gardenline.usask.ca/misc/seed_str.html  

Good luck, and please write again if I can ever be of assistance.  

Regards,  

Mike