That's usually the point I start getting the pots ready. The longer you let the tap root grow, the more chance of doing damage when planting them. I only bury them as deep as the seed is big. (1/8" seed, bury it 1/8" deep...)
Good job with being patient. I've tossed many that I thought were beyond help, just to find them later, growing in my trash can. (doh)