Next batch just toss seeds in a glass of water in the dark..keep em in the high 70s..low 80s.. in the dark.. check on em in 48 hours..then 72 hours.. I bet your germ rates go up.. the tap roots will grow down while the seed floats.. if the seeds sink..they are duds. It's called float tech.. check it out, I was skeptical..I've switched over..it works great.
Float tech ... That's hilarious! Good one!
In the real world viable seeds sink.
Soak seeds in a quarter full solo cup, with a drop or two of bloom nutrient or the like, for 24 hours. Then sow seeds 1/2" deep in quality seed starting mix, like Coast of Maine or Fox Farm Light Warrior.
For greatest growth rate potential, place pots on a heat mat under good quality light set to 18 hours on and 6 hours off.
Heat from the bottom of the pot produces amazing growth. As farmers say, wait until soil warms, never sow in cold soil.