Germinate the seeds in the dark or under lights?

[Phunnyman]

I hope this isn't a stupid question, but when growing indoors, is it best to germinate the seeds under the CFL's or in the dark? I've always germinated them on the window sill then planed them outdoors in the past but the indoor growing is newer to me.

Right now I have ten seeds in small plastic cups that started breaking the shells in wet paper towels, then I put them in wet organic soil. Under the CFL's now.

Advise please...and please be gentle.:hippy:

Phunnyman Reviewed by Phunnyman on 12-22-2009. Germinate the seeds in the dark or under lights? I hope this isn't a stupid question, but when growing indoors, is it best to germinate the seeds under the CFL's or in the dark? I've always germinated them on the window sill then planed them outdoors in the past but the indoor growing is newer to me. Right now I have ten seeds in small plastic cups that started breaking the shells in wet paper towels, then I put them in wet organic soil. Under the CFL's now. Advise please...and please be gentle.:hippy: Rating: 5

[redtails]

I germinate wherever it's warm, whether that's under the cfl or in a warm dark place & there's been no difference really. As long as once it pops you place it in the soil I don't think a little light will hurt.

[smerro]

in the garden soil when it rains they're cracked in several days and i can say they are almost 6-7centimeters at 4th night..not more for me.
i'm not sure if this is a short period in comparison but i've read 'maximum' 10-12 days should pass literatually.
it's winter's first month here and ma garden recieves 9hours sunlight per day.(it's Aegean Climate, say like Cyprus)
i empty my water filled bucket in my livingroom that keeps the seeds.
i feel that paper towel stuff is smthing unnecessary.
and i remember i read keeping it wet and dark is good for seed-germinate episode, is it ?