Do not cover the seed when sowing. Water with a fine mist from above or sub-irrigate from below by setting the germination container in a shallow container of water. Excessive water should be allowed to drain. The germinating medium can be kept from drying out by covering the container with a pane of glass or with a plastic bag. Keep the container in a location with bright light, but not in direct sunlight, until germination begins.
Seedlings can emerge in three to four days under optimum conditions.
Once the seedlings have emerged, remove the covering and allow the growing medium to become slightly dry between waterings, but do not allow the seedlings to wilt. Fertilize the young seedlings with a diluted formulation of starter fertilizer. Transplant the seedlings to trays or individual containers at the two leaf stage, or in about 14 to 21 days. Use disease free containers and sterile growing medium. Carefully lift the young seedlings from the germinating medium using a knife or flat stick.