How long should tap root be?

I've been germinating an Auto Duck seed using the paper towel method. She was soaked in water for nearly a day (12 hours til she dropped and another 6-8 hours) and then placed in the wet paper towel. Put it all in a ziploc bag and into a covered bowl in a warm dark room. It's been 5 days and the tap root still seems very short. How long does it need to be before I transplant her into seedling mix and her final 3 gallon, fabric pot? Please advise. Thanks

Now would be ideal

dannyboy602 said:

Now would be ideal

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Thanks DannyBoy. BTW, Doesn't that seem very small for 5 days in the paper towel step?

Poolcat said:

Thanks DannyBoy. BTW, Doesn't that seem very small for 5 days in the paper towel step?

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Small? Compared to what? No I don't think the tap root is small. I think it looks healthy as shit and that my young friend is more important than size.

dannyboy602 said:

Small? Compared to what? No I don't think the tap root is small. I think it looks healthy as shit and that my young friend is more important than size.

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Thanks for that worthy bit of experience and wisdom.

Her new home for the next 3 months.

Just me, but germing like that is the way I do it (when I do pop beans), but I would advise against the zip lock bag. Just let them sit in-between the paper towels (moist), and in a dark warm place. Even this young, they still need a bit of air. 5 days does seem like a long time.. I've seen them pop a tap in 48 hours... some longer than I had intended.

DoubleAtotheRON said:

Just me, but germing like that is the way I do it (when I do pop beans), but I would advise against the zip lock bag. Just let them sit in-between the paper towels (moist), and in a dark warm place. Even this young, they still need a bit of air. 5 days does seem like a long time.. I've seen them pop a tap in 48 hours... some longer than I had intended.

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Thank you sir. I hope one of the two I have working proves productive. But if I need to germinate the third, I will certainly consider bagless. Thanks again.

I still think old school empty film bottles work by far the best... clean one out, fill it fairly tightly with cotton, fill with water to full saturation, dump excess, put your seeds on the wet cotton and seal it up. Stays perfect humidity, nothing to lift off the tap root possibly damaging it like with wet towel. Just pop the top off twice daily to check tap root growth rate, add a couple drops of water if needed.

Been using the same canisters for 3 years now. Only replace the cotton every other month or so. Stays sealed and doesn’t allow any aerobic activity to get it nasty. Works like a charm!!

Autos always go in there home right away the final pot only photos like to be transplanted PS autos love living soil... As far as poppin beans I have 100% rate

1.fill cup with water(room temp)
2. Drop beans in water(they will float) wait a FULL 24hrs
3. Next Day Poke beans down in cup(should sink)
4. Wait 24 HRS AGAIN
5.From the cup to a Napkin on a Plate
6.get rid of excess water but not ALL the water you still want them moist
7 wrap up in napkin put in ziplock sandwich bag
Use heat mat put a towel over it store it on a dark spot you’ll be golden every time long taps but honestly if you go up to step 5 you should see a tap root every time by then the napkin and heat mat just help