I germinated the seeds in plain tap water (averages about 7.9 ph). After soaking for 12 hours I placed them into a damp paper towel. After 36 hours they were showing taproots and were placed into soil. Plastic baggies were placed over the cup to hold humidity. Unfortunately we had a power outage with freezing temps during the last few days. The plants still seem to be growing but at a slight slower rate.