Aloha4dayz
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When a seed first cracks, the root usually does a 180 from the direction it came out of the shell with. This is why I let the root get a little longer, so it usually already makes the change of direction, eliminating the need to plant it upside down. You don't want the root to get too long, as it can use up too much energy trying to find the soil instead of finding it and growing. When I plant, the seed and root sort of looks like a candy cane shape, with the root tip being the cane and the seed shell being the handle. The seed hood doesn't get dragged off, the swelling seedling pushes it apart. It might sometimes hang onto one of the seed leaves, but it should be OK. I have NEVER had good results from helping to remove the seed shell manually... it invariably harms the seedling and disfigures it... sometimes irreversibly.Thanks for the reply both of you. I read somewhere about planting with the tap root facing up. Forces the shell to drag some while it works itself to the surface.
Jimster the process you described will work for me but I am so bad at being gentle with seedlings that I was really hoping for a sow direct to soil method. But I have more batches of test seeds. I will try and see if the tap root up works and if not then I am going to have to get my hands dirty it sounds like.
thanks again for taking time to answer my question guys. I will report back with results.
Aloha
In a nutshell, yes. I might take them a few days to shed the shell after they break thru the surface, but as long as they are staying green, the shell should split apart and eventually fall off. My cable box is probably about 85-90 degrees F. Pulling the shell off usually damages the embryonic leaves which the plant grows upon, resulting in funky or misshapen seedlings. I think by having a slightly longer root, the growing roots can access the moisture which is below it in the medium, giving it enough water to continue to grow. It might break the surface and seem to stall for a little, but this can be normal as the seedling first establishes the root system before starting to grow, in general.I know what you mean about the disfigure have seen it before. I just started to germ 4 freebies in some coffee filters that came with my cold brew machine.
Lets see how this goes. So you are saying that seedlings usually popped with the helmet on. Then after they break the surface of the medium they burst open the shell? Jimster, what temp do you think the top of your cable box is?
Aloha
That could have a lot to do with it, although in general, if you left the sprouted seed in the baggie/paper towel, it would grow a very long root and probably unfurl the seed leaves, leaving the split shell behind. This isn't a recommendation, I'm just saying that a seedling should hve no problem shedding the seed on it's own. If it sprouts and then stops growing altogether, it might just be a bad seed. These are pretty rare, though. Igloo cups work well, especially for seeds because they allow for a longer taproot (the main central root). Clones don't develop a taproot and aren't quite as fussy, in general. Make sure that your cups block out the light at the root zone. Root growth is inhibited by light, so keep the roots in darkness... a darker colored solo cup should work and I see a lot of folks using the red ones. Keep in mind that plants have been shedding their shells for millions of years and don't normally need help. Don't over-mother your plants... let them alone to grow and it seems to work out the best. Your best bet is to prepare a good but not too hot of a soil/medium that will take care of most issues that might arise in the future. This includes having a stable Ph, good drainage (VERY important), and plenty of light. It's a lot easier to have your soil prepped prior to planting, since it is hard to change a medium once plants are in it.Jimster I think I figured it out. Could the size of the container that I am transplanting to have something to do with all this. Right now they are going into a tiny container. I should try putting some into igloo cups. That way the roots will have room to grow and more energy to break out of the shell. Does any of this make sense?
Thanks for all of your responses.
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