Why didn’t my germinated seeds sprout?

[Rurumo]

You said your light was 14" above, what kind of light exactly are you using? I think new growers having germination issues should try either planting direct to media, or try using Root Riot/Rapid Rooter type cubes. I think they are easier for new growers to keep perfectly moist-you just moisten, then squeeze (gently) out the water until it's almost all gone and just a drops come out and it feels like a wrung out sponge. You need to check them twice per day and remoisten if necessary. I had a friend who killed more seeds than anyone I know, but now he's at close to 100% germination with Root Riot cubes (brand doesn't matter as long as they're similar). I usually go direct to coco and just keep the surface moist with a spray bottle when it needs it. Typically new growers who fail at direct seeding have placed them too deep into too moist media.

They don't need strong light to germinate, but you'll have better success if you keep your temperature warm and stable-80 degrees is perfect. Work on your basic conditions and never let them stay too moist for long.

 

[VerdantGreen]

agree that temp is important. Getting the seeds up and growing as fast as possible keeps other problems at arm's length, keep the soil a constant 75-78 , use either a heat pad or the heat from a light on 24hrs above. put a probe a cm into the soil and check it regularly.
I also find that seedlings need quite strong light to stop them stretching.

 

[VerdantGreen]

Lastly, it doesn't have to be complicated. I respect ayone who gets good results with their method... but imo sprouting the seed before planting introduces an unnecessary procedure just at the point when the seeds/sprouts are at their most vulnerable. So consider keeping it simple:
20 seeds soaked for a couple hours and planted 1cm deep in soil, kept watered.

19/20 germination a few days later:

 

[Hammerhead]

All high priced packs of seeds should be germinated before planting.. I soak all my seeds with a 4 day max time limit before I intervene. I do not let them sink. I leave then untouched until they need it. Direct to soil you can't help them unless you dig them up. Much more stressful doing that. Most should germ after 2 days. If they pop a tail you can plant them if no tail the odds the shell has not cracked is the likely cause. If any seed has not cracked help them and use the Paper towel method on those, do not let the PT dry out, this is what can damage the tap root embedding itself into the PT. If kept wet it won't do that. I've saved many seeds doing this. IMO is a must with seeds today..If your spending 200$ on a pack id think most would try anything to help them out.

 

[flylowgethigh]

I just give up if they don’t tail after soaking. I keep the jars 75-80*F while soaking, dark conditions. I shake the jar they are in vigorously every now and then before they tail, so they get good and wet, and sink.

 

[Cuddles]

This is my second grow. The first was successful (after a few tries). I germinated the new seeds using the paper towel method and planted one in a solo cup seven days ago, another five days ago and the third seed three days ago using a light, loamy soil specifically mixed for seedlings purchased six months ago. All three cups are in the tent, the light is about 14” above, the fans are going, exhaust fan too. I’ve spritzed them twice a day, careful not to overwater. The temp in the tent has remained between 70 - 84 degrees. Using a humidifier, the humidity is in the mid to high 60s. But so far there’s been nothing. No breaking through the soil. Is there any hope for these girls? How long should I wait before declaring them dead?

Seeds and the soil they´re in, need to be kept nice and moist. If not, they just dry out and there is no saving them
Was the soil very moist when you planted them, because spritzing them may not be enough. Warmth and moisture (not drowing though) is what they like best

I´ve lost the odd seed too. I also had the same problem once when one or two just refused to come to the surface and another time when I just lost it in the soil somehow and this was whilst I was planting it. I tried looking for them but just couldn´t find them
You can still look for them and take a good look and if they are not dried out, simply re plant them and see what happens.