>> Back in 2004, I successfully started seeds, including asclepias tuberosa and lavender.
>> Just in peat pots in the kitchen - no tent, no nothin.
Lavender? Isn't that slow and irregular germination? OK, you totally know how, now it's just finding convenient ways to do the same en masse.
>> I have only a few seeds for one special plant
Ahhh. That's a different story. You want the highest possible germination rate and lowest possible risk. Always room for more care there. Have you considered a paper-towel method like Dr. Deno's method?
Have you researched various opinions about your "special needs" seeds? Light and soil medium as well as temperature?
I find seed packets' information very useless when the best advice would sound like a lot of work to a casual buyer, like cold-wet stratification, or a several-step stratification like warm-cold-warm. Botanical Interests seed packets have good info even when it might discourage some sales.
