Helping seeds? - advice needed
 

I notice that when germinating many larger seeds, once the spout
emerges from the soil, the seed case often sticks to the leaves that
are trying to open. For example, French Beans which have quite a hard
seed case.

Sometimes, this can prevent the leaves opening properly for some time,
whilst the leave bulge and swell but remain pinned together at the
end.

I sometimes worry and end up trying to prise the case off to free up
the leaves. However, I worry that I might damage the delicate emerging
leaves inside.

Any advice on which is the best approach:
- leave nature to sort it out?
- peel the stuck seed cases off manually?

Colin
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Replace the obvious with Bigfoot

Helping seeds? - advice needed
 

On Sun, 25 May 2003 19:05:29 +0100, Colin Malsingh
wrote:

I notice that when germinating many larger seeds, once the spout
emerges from the soil, the seed case often sticks to the leaves that
are trying to open. For example, French Beans which have quite a hard
seed case.

1. Plant seed deeper, then the shoot pushing through the soil is more
likely to free itself from the seed case.
2. Spray the stuck seed case with water several times to soften it.
You will damage the cotyledons if you cut or pull.

Pam in Bristol

Helping seeds? - advice needed
 

I notice that when germinating many larger seeds, once the spout
emerges from the soil, the seed case often sticks to the leaves that
are trying to open.

Spray the stuck seed case with water several times to soften it.
You will damage the cotyledons if you cut or pull.

That's a good idea. It certainly seems possible to damage the plant
pulling them off manually, as there often isn't much you can hold
onto.
Colin
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Replace the obvious with Bigfoot