Richard, Probably it is normal. Then it depends on the variety too.
What are you growing ?

I agree with seysonn, depends on the variety.

Also for me, the paper towel method seemed to set growth back nearly a week. It takes an additional few days for them to surface once transferring to the potting mix. Time wasted, imo.

I sow in Jiffy pellets instead with a heating pad (actually a small electric blanket) underneath the tray. Once they sprout in the pellets I carefully cut the fabric away and set the pellet into solo cups filled with the same potting mix they will grow in.

Then set them under a florescent light set an inch above the plants and with a fan blowing in the general direction from a few feet away.

Works for me!

This post was edited by mecdave on Fri, Aug 15, 14 at 8:43

Seysonn I believe it is jalapeño , mecdave I agree about the paper towel method but unfortunately I do not have the space to keep my seedlings in doors under lights , but I would like to try it one day. It sounds like they do very well with those conditions.