The best way to germinate

[Mud Man]

No towels here! everyone has their own technique

I drop into Distilled water few hours pre soak....
then straight into starter cups full of seedling mix soil.. subtle Heat, light and that's it.

 

[DocLeaf]

We often use the 'GrowDoc Method' : https://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=10876

This helps the grower observe what's happening... without risk of infection from handling

 

[303hydro]

I am a big believer of " seed in the dirt ."

Mixing some good soil 50/50 w/ coco, has always had the best results for me.

 

[Solidopc]

Allways stuck them straight into moist root riot cubes and into the prop. Never had any trouble apart from with sensi stuff.

 

[Marathanman]

I start them straight in moist compost making sure there not buried to deep. Keeping them warm and moist is the main thing. I don't bother putting them under a light untill they have broke the surface of the soil. For germination and cuttings I find a heated propagator or heated mat really helps. Then its down to the viability of the seeds. On average it takes two or three days. Not always some can take 24 hrs where as others may take a week.
As mentioned root riot cubes are another excellent option. The biggest help overall though was getting a heated propagator. Especially for cuttings.