I presprouted seeds that I received. Planted in soil. They are emerging but not showing leaves, just stems continuing to elongate with the cork attached to the top. This is my first experience with seeds, so I am asking, is this normal?
Seedis this normal?
No, not really. The cork should slip off so the leaves can get out. If the cork remains, the leaves inside will be ruined and the seedling a goner.
If you keep the seedlings in high humidity, I have heard this helps the cork to slip off. A few I have had to cut off. It is a tough job too, I have missed and clipped off the leaves under it a few times, killing the seedling.
I use the tiniest of scissors and just ever so carefully snip up one side. That is usually enough for the emerging leaves to push it off.
GOOD LUCK!!!
Spritz that cork! LOLThey usually fall off on their own. I cut into one once carefully with those little manicure scissors, but didn't cut it all the way off. That and some daily spritzing with water helped it come off on its own.
I found a pic that shows how I cut the side straight up. I always peel my seeds, but there is still the seed coat that can get stuck on, suffocating the leaves.
Oh, I have also tried to yank it off, and the whole top including the leaves just breaks off so easily, a definite bad move. LOL
Yes, spraying it with water may help as Mary suggested. Anything to increase the humidity so it will slip off.
I cropped the pic closer. You can see how the leaves now are pushing the seed coat off as they emerge.
This message was edited Jun 25, 2006 9:05 PM
Kell and Mary, thank you both for such prompt replies. With my heart in my throat, I chipped away at the cork on two seedling and actually was able to slip it off without decapitating the poor little things!!! I spritzed as well. Now the wait for tomorrow to see if they make it. My first babies--I hope so.
Sounds like you did so well. I have to admit, I killed a few before I got it figured out.
I just leave them alone and most of the time, the leaf growth will push the cork and the seed coat off. Rarely, but it does happen, it won't move and the top will rot inside. I've decapitated more by trying to help than I've lost by leaving them alone.
Maybe I am just too impatient. How long does it take the leaves to emerge? The two seedling I succeeded in uncapping have almost pinhead sized white leaflets. They are under lights and I have worn a path to the unit this morning checking and coaxing them to grow and green up!! LOL to keep from crying.
This message was edited Jun 26, 2006 1:06 PM
It's kind of live watching boiling water, leave them alone, they'll come ;) I always get impatient also, so much while I am waiting I sow more seeds different way, like soaking in the peroxide and water overnight, and peeling the core's off, most time consuming, but it works for quicker germanation
It generally takes several days. Something else that is supposed to help is to put a layer of sand on top of the soil. I've never tried it, but I suppose the sand could cause enough resistance on the cork that it might help pull it off normally.
Oh you poor thing! They look great. Just leave them alone. LOL. Give them a few days to green up. At this stage the worse thing is under or overwatering them. I hear singing helps too for it gives you something to do and keeps you out of trouble. LOL