Basic seed starting questions.

To cut straight to the point, how long after placing a germinated seed in soil should it sprout? After how many days should I start to worry?

Just kind of nervous because I was all set with the chosen seeds for the inaugural grow in my first tent, and my germination rates have been down lately, which of course adds to my worries.

In this scenario, I'm talking about seeds germinated in a paper towel and placed into soil with 1/8"-1/4" taproots.

Out of 4 seeds planted, 2 have been up for close to 3 days. The other two haven't shown any signs of wanting to make an appearance.

Also, in these circumstances. How moist do you keep the soil? I'm kinda of afraid I may have error ed towards been afraid of overwatering, and might have in turn not kept the soil moist enough.
I'll obviously be pretty frustrated with myself if I lost these due to letting them dry up.

 

[the green bandit]

I always try and keep the surface of my pots moist while waiting on seeds to do their thing...usually mist the surface of my pots a couple of times a day! A dry pot can be more trouble than overwatering at times

 

[LittleMT]

I just plant my seeds straight into soil. And water, I don't allow the soil to dry but I water lightly. Usually takes 3 - 5 days before I see life, sometimes longer.

 

[NoviceProfessor]

I water lightly as well.
So by day 6 should I be worried? Keeping in mind that I popped the taproot in paper towel and am on day 6 since placing in soil.

 

[Arthur]

When you transferred, good clean hands? Not a smoker? I've had a couple that had me moving soil gently to see what was taking so long...
And like most, I mist a couple times a day, just to keep damp.

 

[NoviceProfessor]

When you transferred, good clean hands? Not a smoker? I've had a couple that had me moving soil gently to see what was taking so long...
And like most, I mist a couple times a day, just to keep damp.

I'm a smoker. But I washed my hands first.

 

[Arthur]

Good deal, reason I asked is I've seen smokers loose more starts and cuts from the nicotine on the skin.

Might try some latex gloves, might be there enough nicotine left over getting on super sensitive roots.

 

[Mañ'O'Green]

You may have bumped the tap root tip and damaged it? I have had seeds germinate in 30 hours up to 21 days. Some Landrace Sativas from Africa take a long time to germinate.

I know that a lot of growers swear by it and their proof is the fact that many plants survive the technique but unless seeds are old or have been stored poorly soaking seeds is not needed and can drown them. Then because they need the instant gratification of seeing the tap root they germinate them in paper towels. If you look at a tap root under 200x magnification you will see the “root hairs” that grow laterally out from the tap root. These become the plant’s uptake roots. They will grow into the fibers of the paper towels and are ripped off every time the seedling is move or the towel is opened – ouch. Then when transplanting it is very easy to bump the tap root tip and damage it or kill the seedling – Why? Put the fresh or properly stored seed ½” deep in a Rapid Rooter, Root Riot, rock wool cube or similar. Keep moist – not wet, and ~78°F, 60% humidity with your lights running on 18/6 and they will germinate if viable. Most strains will germinate in 5 to 7 days. Some strains take longer than others.

 

[NoviceProfessor]

You may have bumped the tap root tip and damaged it? I have had seeds germinate in 30 hours up to 21 days. Some Landrace Sativas from Africa take a long time to germinate.

I know that a lot of growers swear by it and their proof is the fact that many plants survive the technique but unless seeds are old or have been stored poorly soaking seeds is not needed and can drown them. Then because they need the instant gratification of seeing the tap root they germinate them in paper towels. If you look at a tap root under 200x magnification you will see the “root hairs” that grow laterally out from the tap root. These become the plant’s uptake roots. They will grow into the fibers of the paper towels and are ripped off every time the seedling is move or the towel is opened – ouch. Then when transplanting it is very easy to bump the tap root tip and damage it or kill the seedling – Why? Put the fresh or properly stored seed ½” deep in a Rapid Rooter, Root Riot, rock wool cube or similar. Keep moist – not wet, and ~78°F, 60% humidity with your lights running on 18/6 and they will germinate if viable. Most strains will germinate in 5 to 7 days. Some strains take longer than others.

Lots of good info there Man! I've started seeds before in organic seed starting mix that I had already been using for vegetable seeds, and had better luck than the paper towels so far. Good to know about the "root hairs".
I did recently get some rapid rooters. I've never used anything like that before, but will try on the next seeds.
I'm also concerned these seeds may be older than I think. My germination problems increased when I started dealing with this supplier.

 

[NoviceProfessor]

Is there anything that can be done at this point besides keep them damp and warm and hope they're just slow growers?
Is there ever any point of poking around in the dirt?