Just FYI: when I get seeds that can't push all the way from their shells, I open the shells with a dental pick. This must be done carefully, and I use a magnifying headband gadget that you can get on Amazon. Carefully pick at the opening in the shell, and pry it open. Then there will be a membrane that can also hold them down. This can be removed by lightly poking/scratching at the edge of it. Eventually it will come off, the cotyledon will open right up, and you are in business. Have saved many seeds like this, and the resulting plants were just as good as the ones that had the power to pop themselves. Takes a bit of magnification to see, and patience, to do it slowly and carefully. Keep seeds moist by constantly misting them with water. I have yet to have a seed that I could not open by this method, once any amount of "tail" is showing.
Just FYI: I do what your talking about with pointed tweezers sometimes when needed, just squeeze the tweezers and stick them in crack and let tweezers push shell open. Then scratch the embryo loose and pull it off usually towards tail.... Ive been starting seeds for 20 years with many different methods and ways.
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