Germination/transplant of autos

I'm getting ready to germinate some auto seeds. Polar express.

I'm going to use the paper towel method? After the seeds germinate and crack open, should they then go straight into my 3 gallon smart pots? Or into Dixie cups? Not sure what I should do, ive Also saw folks covering them with tin foil in solo cups?

Any help appreciated as this is my first from seed

Also, if I went straight into 3 gallon pots could I go ahead and set them outside since I don't have lighting

I would go into the dixie cups and then when then plants get out of the seedling stage and into veg transplant into your final pot. This will help maximize the space the plant has to grow it's roots. If you notice the seedling start to get root bound then transplant it of course.

Oh if you don't have any lighting then you really don't have much of a choice do you?

I didnt know whether to set them out in solo cups in the sun or straight to the pots

Are they going outside either way?

Yep, I just didn't know what was best and why I saw some folks covering them up with foil for a day or two after germination

Why would you cover them up in foil? If they're going outside and you don't have to worry about any small animals being able to reach the solo cup I would personally put it in the cup first for the reasons I stated above. I'm not a fan of growing outdoors though,so I don't know if there's any specific reason not to grow in a cup first.

I'm not sure about the foil, just seen guys doing it in a video.

I'm thinking I'll grow in the solo cups until there up good then drop them jn the 3 gallon smart pots and take them to there new home.

You can put them in the cups for no longer then a week auto's hate transplanting it stunts them, and you do not want stunt an auto because the're on a count down from seed unlike photo period plants that need a set number day\ night hours

I would put them right in to your smart pots and cover them with a clear cup till they get thier true leaves then should be alright

What's the purpose of the clear cup?

So slugs don't eat your seedling ma dood.

Put them right into your pots. Autos don't like to be repotted.

yes... plant directly into smart pots. Since your putting it outside, place a CLEAR plastic cup over it till its sprouted nicely (protects seedling as it sprouts and provides a little moisture). Dont forget to make a hole at the bottom of the cup for a little ventilation. remove the cup afterward to prevent rotting your seedling. I usually do this after the first set of leaves begin to sprout out. Do not place it in direct sunlight. oh and make sure you water and wet your soil before planting your seed. place seed about a 1/4 inch to 1/8 inch below the soil. good luck.

10-4 guys thanks a lot

im growing polar express to check out my grow they have just sprouted up as well! do not plant any seeds in a clear cup plants like moisture but not to much which can cause your soil to turn to mud and force yur plant to stop growth clear cup is great for the top of the plant as the fellow member said... this provides great humidity which baby seedlings love,,, but yea +rep on your grow for the polar seeds..

I use the clear dixie cup, I put hockey tape around mine and leave the bottom clear so I can transplant when the roots let me know they are ready, It works everytime. Go with the cup then transplant. That why I use the clear cup.

I keep forgetting they are auto, just go with straight to 3 gal. lol