It doesn't have to be done with a soak. I was just giving the choice if people wanted to soak. I don't usually soak mine either I do a direct soil germination. That can sometimes take up to 14 days however depending on environment. I guess I wouldn't ever recommend that for anyone looking for 100% germination either. After testing germination on tons of seeds I would say for my own experience that the soak and paper towel is the best for successful and fast germination. But I do also find that the plants that I do a direct germination with grow much better and faster through the seedling stage and usually produce bigger plants with the auto's.