deformed seedlings

I'd like to know what most folks do when a seedlings first set of true leaves are mangled and irregular-looking: do you automatically pitch the seedling into Chlorophyll Heaven, so to speak? or, do you wait to see if the 2nd set of true leaves are also mangled--or not--and decide--on behalf of the seedling in question: "to be or not to be" (allowed to continue to grow?) ?!

I've never had seedlings do that, but if I did I know I would wait and see what the first set of true leaves looked like.

BC,

I've seen problems with the cotyledons but not so much with true leaves. Like Ecrane, I usually wait to see what develops. Problems with pole bean seedling cotyledons are usually fatal. I have several zinnia seedlings that appear to be recovering from bad cotyledon emergence, and I will grow them. But they may have some genetic defect. They are "on probation", since I am an amateur zinnia breeder.

MM

I too, will keep the seedlings 'on probation'. The plantlets in question are Corkscrew Vines. Out of 5 seeds, 1 came up 'perfect', the 2 on probation have mangled cotyledons, so time will tell; I've planted the 2 sleeper seeds in one of my 'melting pot' seed experiment containers. In these containers I'll sometimes literally just 'throw' some seeds on the surface--others I'll cover with soil. These are mainly seeds culled from various fruits, such as: several citrus species--apples--and recently, the innards of an organic pepper. Most have been somewhat raging successes. The melting pots are '2nd chance' sites for many 'sleeper' seeds---plus, the process contributes to my Plant Rearing learning curve!

BC,

Your 'melting pot' second-chance concept for 'sleeper seeds' sounds like a good idea. I may try that myself. Thanks for sharing.

MM

lol, my melting pot second-chance is my compost pile. Last fall I buried a cupfull of plum pits and this spring there's 3 pits sprouted and are potted up to add to the 'plum orchard'

I also have 2 seedling bartlett pears from a grocery store pear.......