@kygiacomo I personally have found that putting into straight soil, for my setup, makes a smaller plant. I start in the paper towel, plant into a solo cup. 6-7 days later, I transplant into the final container. Everyone is happy.
Everyone has there own unique way to grow. That's what makes it fun!
@awolace Your pretty lucky then. I have been growing for almost 13 years. Bound to find a bad seed or two, especially when testing seeds. Mephisto genetics have been rock solid though!!!! It's been other companies or local bred stuff I have had some germ issues with.