Tried to get some autoflower seeds going from a seed company associated with some famous people in the industry (took a break from gardening was trying to move) .....needless to say I had issues with their autoflowers in previous runs (non-viable seeds, hermies like a mother...errr father...err other). I tried to get 5 seeds going by soaking them in water for 48 hours and then placing them in a damp paper towel in a plastic bag for an additional 48 hours. I got tails put them in soil and they all either damped off or just........ so I'm done with those seeds and that seed company (oh their initials are Homegrown Cannabis Company their autos SUCK) So now going to do a photo run and spend more money in the dispensaries than I wanted. Dropped 4 seeds in water on 11/25, checked on them two days later and 3 of 4 had opened put them in paper towels on 11/27 and in a plastic bag on a paper plate under a heat mat in the dark. 11/28 went to check on them with no intent to plant but yeah all viable with taps longer than 2 cm so I placed two in cups with FFOF, and 2 in EB Stone Seedling mix with a dash of Great White. The theory is seeds have everything they need to grow for at least 2 weeks or more, FFOF is notoriously hot should have enough food for 4 weeks. Lets see which establishes a stronger healthier plant with the least amount of issues.
@Thaiclee, cover the top soil to keep it moist and the microbial life active, helps with pest prevention as well. I've used organic rice hulls in the past for the silica but there is trace amounts of arsenic with rice hulls so I switched to hay.