Float plant production is increasing in popularity as the system of choice for producing tobacco transplants. Approximately 5% of Burley tobacco transplants used in Kentucky in 1991 were produced by the float method. That figure will increase to approximately 25% or 1992. Producers are switching from the plug and transfer method to direct seeding into a finishing tray. Direct seeding requires conditions favorable for a high germination rate and a uniform germination. Media were evaluated under different analyses of fertilizer. Tray packing was examined for germination rate and spiral root development. Nine days after seeding Carolina Greenhouse media produced better germination than Speedling media with 150 ppm nitrogen added to the float bed. After twelve days germination was not different with spiral root development higher in the Carolina media. Non-fortified Speedling media performed poorly initially but eventually performed better than fortified media and non-f ortified in fertilized water. Spiral root development was higher in trays on fertilized water than in trays with fortified media or non-fertilized, non-fortified media. Dry packed media germinated slow initially but performed better than tight packed, moistened media.