Ive personally had the best luck jus leavin em in a glass of PHed water until they have at least 1/4" taproot. Over the last 2 yrs ive germed about 35-40 autoflower seeds this way while maby 2 didnt work. I used to leave them in a kitchen cabinet,cool and dark, but lately been putting them in non a/c garage in drawer,warm and dark and it seems like they throw out taproots real fast now! but im still testing that. Now ive had def a few duds that were freebies( reg Critical,reg Old Skool) but we know those seeds are usually older. So far 100% prefer the warmer garage. I use 3 gal pots for my autos tho 5 is good and may be better for strains that r big. Used to put the germed seed rite into 3gal pots but had bad prob w gnats so now i start them in a 5' pot but there real deep like 8' then transplant into 3gal. Very little if no shock at all. Thats just me.. good luck!!