Hey growers! I just planted 5 seeds about 3 days ago from today (December 9th 2021) and they have all sprouted except I have one that still has its shell on and it almost looks like it’s weighing down the seedling. The top is starting to bend almost touching the soil. It started drooping a bit yesterday morning so I figured I’d give it a day or two before seeing if it will come off on its own or if I’m going to need to get it off myself. I was thinkin it would start going up towards the light more and I could take it off but I think the seed is weighing it down I’m not sure… Let me know what you guys think!! Do you think it will come off by itself? Or how would you recommend getting it off in this case?! Or do you think she might be a lost cause? Thanks everybody!
You might need to help her along. The shell should just break free (it has a built in seam). I wet the seed hull and use a couple of toothpicks to force the two halves apart. Try not to put any stress on the seedling itself.
Good luck…
I was thinking about using toothpicks… thanks I appreciate it.
I would push some of the soil up around it a little bit to prop it up
Lighty spray with water and carefully remove the shell
No, and I’ve had recent problems with this specific issue.
I had 4 Banana Kush and 1 Durban Poison seed fail to germinate.
3 of the 5 showed this issue, and even eventually getting the husk off for it, they did not make it.
This ones stem near the top is already discolored showing signs of stress.
The shell comes up on the leaves, dries and hardens a sharp edge, and cuts into the delicate sprout. IMHO
Yes, misting and letting the shell soften some again before carefully removing the shell is required.
Did you end up removing it and has it survived?
It looks rather iffy to me. Maybe 50-50 it survived.
Try and remove it! I popped 8 only 1 had this problem. I left it and it stunted the plant by comparison. So i put her down! So pull it if you can don’t wait. My opinion
Update : I wasn’t quite gentle enough getting that damn shell off… 
had to use my fingers and I accidentally ripped the poor girl out of the soil 
quickly got her back in and here she is about a day and a half later doin well 
I think she will make a full recovery thanks everyone for the input.
Looks good to me Doc! Your surgery looks good she is off and running 
OK, the point is you got it off and now look at her, she’s alive!
Next time try a tweezers and a nail file, after misting and then waiting 30 min.
Those are my surgical tools I use to try to save the helmetheads. 
amen to that! I definitely rushed the process. I didn’t wait more than probably 5 mins after spritzing the husk with a little water. Then I said screw it I can’t find tweezers I’m goin in with my fingers 
It still came off fairly easy but I didn’t realize how much force I was using until she popped out of the solo cup lmao nonetheless she is back happy and healthy! And I now know exactly what NOT to do next time lol!