I think you need to plant it as soon as you see the root poke out. 1/2" in the towel is too long.

If you DO catch them in time remember to plant them ROOT UP. When the root first pokes out it does a u-turn, so if you plant root down it just has to make two changes of growing direction before heading up. Of course at 1/2" it may be past that time so root down was right. Also do not pack the soil. I mean at all. When you water the water will do that for you. I don't cover then because I think they need the oxygen.

As for fertilization use none or ultra light.

Good luck
mendokid Reviewed by mendokid on . After paper towel sprouting, then what? It's been years since I've grown in dirt, so I'm a little confused. Is this how you plant in dirt after sprouting seeds in paper towels (or elsewhere I guess)? 11 out of 12, 4 each of 3 varieties, sprouted and in about 3 days had about 1/2" of root. I then put them in dirt, root down, with about a seed width of dirt over top. I compacted the dirt very slightly. I watered well with PH adjusted water with a little B-1 solution, which I let come to room temp first. I put them on a piece of Rating: 5