Try watering the opposite way during the first 2 weeks,
your roots and plant will grow faster. If you water around the edges of the pot, your roots will grow faster. They have no reason to seek moisture when you water the base of the stem. When you have Big pot/Small seedling, you will have even better results if you water outside first. Many people on this site water like you are, but it is actually counterproductive, especially with large pots. Roots seek moisture. I often start my seeds in cups and bottom feed, to promote downward root growth. Good luck.