Seedcaps and Germination Success

I just saw a newby post with a black seedcap still perched on a seedling in dirt. Seedcaps probably kill more new seedlings than any other problem. So make sure your 'caps have been removed (if necessary) before sliding the little one into dirt. This means mechanically removing both sides of the seedcap if it is still present when they go into dirt. It is easiest to do when the seedling is still laying flat on the paper towels. I use 2 toothpicks to wiggle the 'caps off. Gently push a toothpick into the place where the 2 halves of the cap meet. Twirl the 'pick to help free it from the plant. You may have best luck by putting one toothpick into that space and put the second toothpick into the same space from behind. Then I use one 'pick to lift the seedling and place it into the hole in the dirt. Works 4 me, BigSteve.

Good post. This just happened to me awhile back.

Really? You take the shell off before they go in the dirt? I just had one that I took the seed off after is sprouted and it looks great a few days later. I have another that is 2 weeks old with the shell hanging on like a clam to the seed leaf. I am just going to see how long that little guy with hang on.