Seedling died after not being able to open seed shell.

Thank you to everyone who answered! Makes sense to keep the shell saturated to help it loosen up since I assume that’s what happens naturally in the soil. Ive had mixed (~75%) success rate manually trying to help remove the shell since I’ve started growing but I definitely agree with the growmie who said it’s genetic. Gushers just seems to be a hard one to germinate because of it’s small and thicc shell.

Yes you can absolutely do that.. if it’s heading for death, it’s the way to go. This happens occasionally. Some genetics have hard AF shells, some don’t want to open. Just take your time and be careful, which should go unsaid. Lightly saturate with water before doing the work.. wait a few minutes. This helps saturate the membrane beneath the seed

Hi bro , Im a new grower just germinated around 10 seeds. I tried to germinate them in rockwool ( you can check my diary ) 2 of them were grow root but couldnt break shell , I cut it with eyebrow scissors I approach really kind and soft, didnt even penatrate the scissors end with the seed shell. Those 2 living today. And another 1 of the seeds sproud above soil with its helmet again , I take it out with my finger tip and didnt hurt the plant. Also you may see very thin layer in seedshell after/while you taking of the seedhead thats something like skin of the shell I take that off too I saw a video on youtube and it says add 1 or 2 waterdrops to the head and it helps the plant get rid of its shell by it self ( but I didn't tried this method its up to your choise )

I've never ended up damaging anything - if it doesn't come off after 24h from emerging, spray a little water on it and if next day it's still stuck, spray it again and then try to carefully loosen it up or remove it like an hour later.

tiny tweezers, toothpick and a magnifying glass to make sure you only agitate the shell. Supe easy to rip off a cotyledon or worse the growth tip. Hold one half steady and gently tug at slightly opened side. Don't do too early or the cotys and growth tip will still be slightly fused to the seed shell. definitely will do damage at that stage. always plant more than you need. inevitable to get some that either encounter problems or genetically flawed etc. better to toss some out than to be stuck with some flawed plant.

You can lightly. I mean lightly scuff the tip and crown of seed. Soak for 24 to 48 hours in water in dark. Then keep plant under a dome till it sprouts and husk is free.

My friend please dont do that lol just trow your seed in a glass of water in a dark place for 24 to 48 hours, she will open by her self and from there you can move to what ever medium you will use to grow <3 Or just trow them in paper towel , spray some water and put them inside ziplock bag in dark same way , both work for me at a rate of 99% germination success <3 Growers love and fell free to hit me if you have any questions or whatever <3

Hey Growmie, I use a splash of Hydrogen Peroxide (can get it at any pharmacy or dollar store) it helps soften the seed husk. Since doing that I have had no issues with seedlings losing their shell. Good luck Growmie 🇨🇦👊❤️

I've never had that problem but I understand you can put a drop of water on it or a drop of H2O2... that should soften up the shell and allow the plant to get rid of it... You were right, I think, to not try to force it... Good luck!