LokalGrenz soaked the seed in water for 24 hours, then moved it to the paper towel method the next day. By the following morning the seed had already cracked and produced a long, healthy taproot.
I transplanted it directly into a 3-gallon pot filled with BuildASoil 3.0 and lightly misted the surface with Deer Park water.
As of November 15th, the seedling has emerged and looks healthy. Hoping it settles in well with no early nutrient burn.