@shumway @TheMongol I always germ the same way and hand on heart never had a fail.
I presoak for 3hr then do the paper towel method ontop of my boiler .
After 24_48 hr it's always cracked with taproot out so into the medium it goes about a half inch deep and after another 24 hr she raises her head .
Honestly give that a try works a treat .
Benefits are you can see that it's split its shell before planting