I never soak 1st. The idea of the pellet is too soak the seed with the moisture held by the pellet.

Usually when using jiffy's...They show sprouts in a couple days, but It can takes a couple of weeks, depending on age and degree of dormancy

I have never had failure unless It was my fault for not watering jiffy pellets. I think they are the biggest no brainer in the growing industry. You might have had them to wet. If you follow directions...They work every time. Peace and sorry for your loss.