Does it matter how moist a paper towel is when germinating?

[Pablo]

So Ive successfully germinate 2 mangos trees and now I am trying to germinate papaya seeds. My problem is, the paper towels I am using to germinate absorb to much water, they are super wet. I have so far attempted to germinate 4 mango seeds with those very wet towels and they aren't growing that fast and sometimes stop growing. When I germinated my first two mango seeds with the other brand of paper towels, it worked all the times i used that brand, they were wet but they weren't too wet. I feel like the first type of paper towel was too much water, but I've herd that you can germinate by making a mango seed sit in water, but I also tried that and the results were similar. Does it matter?

Also any tips on germinating Papaya? I got the seeds and got them out of those little jelly pouches, I am also using a paper towel to germinate them, but I am placing them in the sunlight, as for a couple of other mango seeds, do you think they will grow better?

 

[Montray Davis]

Yes, in my experience it definitely matters. You want the paper towel moist -- no excess water (a little excess won't be detrimental).

If you want to germinate it in water, germinate it in water. If you want the ziploc bag method, use a ziploc bag, not water (Except just enough to keep moist).

Additionally, I probably wouldn't keep them in direct sunlight. Grow light, maybe.

Explanation: Your paper towel is drying either because the bag is not sealed, or, it's extremely hot (which makes sense considering you put them in direct sunlight)

Too much water in a ziploc will either a) Drown them or b) Make it easier for mold and other bacteria to grow.