Lights on or off during germination?

I do run my lights 24/0 after the first sight of the seed breaking the soil. This keeps the plant short and helps roots grow. I would only direct sow with a heat pad. And some way to keep humidity up like a dome a simple clear solo cup works

I kind of answered everything but you're questions lol. Light cycle of 24/0 20/4 & 18/6 will all work for seedling. Once in veg go to 18/6 or 20/4. While it's in the soil it don't matter though. It's dark under the soil anyways lol. I just run 20/4 from day one till the end as I run autos.

It's in the soil so it is already dark lol. You kind of answered your own question haha. It's cool we all over think it in the beginning. Just get soil or medium ready stick index finger up to first knuckle then drop seed in. lightly and very lightly cover it do NOT pack the soil down. Leave it loose over the seed. The mist it with tap water. Keep the 4 inches around the seed moist NOT wet. Don't drown the baby but keep it moist. It may need 3 or 4 sprays a day. Depends on you environment but do whatever it takes to keep it moist. Once up place a clear cup over it. Poke 5 small holes in the bottom of the cup before placing it over the baby. This will allow air exchange but will retain high humidity. Then keep the cup misted BUT don't mist the bottom of the cup as the water will pool then drop on the baby and a droplet will increase the light and burn the baby. So only mist and spray the side of the cup so If it runs down it only runs down the side and into the soil or coco. After it has its first jagged leaves remove the cup. Keep Temps between 70-80°F and humidity 70% during seedling stage. Google a VPD chart and it will show you a range of Temps and humidity for each stage of life. Follow it to a T. It will keep you plant happy and give it the best chance for a successful harvest Goodluck growmie 🙏

18/6 is best.

As far as I know germination needs no grow light running, for a first couple of days until your seedling pops out and develops a couple of true leaves. You could use a small night lamp until then. Germination needs warmth and humidity, roots hate light. Good luck💪