Need Help with sprouting seeds

Hello all,
I have 3 plants just starting out under a 250wHPS. 2 of them have broke the soil and are looking great but the other has me a little confused... It has broke the soil and is sticking out about a 1/4" but the seed shell is still on the top. It has been like this for 2 days now. I know the shell is suppost to fall off but I thought that was suppost to happen before it broke the soil. The seed still seems hard and is not broken, just sitting firmly on the top. What the hell should I do with this one?
Thanks for the help in advance, will post pics if I need to
 

EaStW00d

Well-Known Member
I had one that did this to me a few weeks ago. I didn't know what to do so I waited for a few days, but the top never fell off. I finally read that I should take it off with some tweezers. I finally managed to get the top off but by then the two leaves were so dried up and tiny that the plant was unable to recover. I would suggest you remove that seed top asap or that sprout won't make it. Make sure to be very gentle.
 
I was thinking about doing the same thing but was unsure. How exactly should I go about trying to take this shell off? Just use the tweezers and try to pop it open?
 

EaStW00d

Well-Known Member
I just squeezed the shell with some tweezers and it kindof popped off. It is going to take some pressure to get it off, but remember to be gentle or you will snap that sprout.
 

trichromalicious

Active Member
Keep that shell moist! Mist the shell for a good while to make sure it is saturated and soggy. The shell will become soft and you will be able to gently pull of the shell using your finger nails. I don't use tweezers they aren't delicate enough. I try to open the shell like a clam so that it does little damage. Once is it off mist the seedling so that any residual shell material can come off. If the leaves look like they are still being held closed gently rub the leaves with your finger and slide your nail between the leaves to separate them.
I have had a bunch of beans grow like this. Often the leaves that grow will look very odd for a couple nodes and then it finally starts to grow normal and do well.
 
:bigjoint:Alright sick thanks guys I appriciate it! This one is an iced grapefruit seed so I really want to see how this plant turnes out! Everyone on this site should have a day where we get together and try each others stuff it would be so legit.
 
Top