what causes "helmet head"...??? - Cannabis Growing Questions - International Cannagraphic Magazine Forums

**yortbogey** · 03-30-2013, 12:56 AM

just popped 30 beans...25+ALL popped from there initial start w/ good tap roots and HELMET~HEAD...where the seed shell is split but still attached to the seedling...requiring a bit of delicate hand and tweezers work to flush off the shell thus allowing the initial leaf set to emerge an show....and grow

my question is what causes this......????

* not planting the seed deep enuff as to cause the shell to be removed as it grows up and out of the soil...???
* seeds being harvested too early by breeder...???
* seeds not being dried and matured enuff before selling...???
* too much light...???
* too much warmth...???
* to much H20...???
* ph problem w/ starter soil...???
* excessive air flow...???
* OVER pampering the babies...???

these are the majority of my guesses.... BUT would like to hear sum real reason... for this common problem...w/ seedlings?

******* this being said we need a tutorial w/ pic's on
"how to remove helmet head".... *******

Hold Your Fire · 03-30-2013, 01:02 AM

I've had the same experience so often I've become pretty good at removing shells with 2 pairs, of fine point hemostats.

Pinball Wizard · 03-30-2013, 03:08 AM

I only get the 'helmet head' on my oldest (2007-10) homemade seeds that I didn't soak long enough.

03-30-2013, 05:11 AM

My experience has been that its easier to remove remaining shells in a more humid environment.
F.

wildgrow · 03-30-2013, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Funion

My experience has been that its easier to remove remaining shells in a more humid environment.
F.

Exactly my thought. I popped fresh tester beans and had to help all of them out. Rh was around 35%.

Spring - fall, no problems but on an occasion or two.

03-30-2013, 05:41 AM

It is annoying, but I usually just cut along the seem of the shell, where it hasn't opened.
Sometimes i accidently slice a line into the cotyledons, but it doesn't seem to hurt them?

Some drops of water help to slide the shell off too.

03-30-2013, 05:46 AM

Ive only had it happen when I let it get too dry. My root temps are always pretty cold cuz I usually have air moving

rasputin · 03-30-2013, 06:05 AM

It's from not planting them deep enough, usually. A light misting helps.

mack 10 · 03-30-2013, 06:08 AM

I plant my seeds into soil and never get this problem. only if its a really light soil, I've heard people say to add extra clay to your soil to prevent this from happening. do you all germ into root riot cubes or something?

festerous · 03-30-2013, 06:11 AM

I now pop all seeds in a disposable lasagna pan with lid, filled with 60% organic potting soil and 40% coco. My tomatoes all sprout within 5 days of planting using this method.
The only time i get the dreaded "helmet head" is when i remove the lid too early due to the faster ones stretching towards a tiny pinhole of light from the lid.

03-30-2013, 12:56 AM	#1
yortbogey To Have More ... Desire Less Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 10,983	what causes "helmet head"...??? just popped 30 beans...25+ALL popped from there initial start w/ good tap roots and HELMET~HEAD...where the seed shell is split but still attached to the seedling...requiring a bit of delicate hand and tweezers work to flush off the shell thus allowing the initial leaf set to emerge an show....and grow my question is what causes this......???? * not planting the seed deep enuff as to cause the shell to be removed as it grows up and out of the soil...??? * seeds being harvested too early by breeder...??? * seeds not being dried and matured enuff before selling...??? * too much light...??? * too much warmth...??? * to much H20...??? * ph problem w/ starter soil...??? * excessive air flow...??? * OVER pampering the babies...??? these are the majority of my guesses.... BUT would like to hear sum real reason... for this common problem...w/ seedlings? ***** this being said we need a tutorial w/ pic's on "how to remove helmet head".... ***** __________________ i got a river for a soul... Darlin' I'm a nightmare... Dressed like a daydream~~~
	Quote

03-30-2013, 05:11 AM	#4
Funion Guest Posts: n/a	My experience has been that its easier to remove remaining shells in a more humid environment. F.
	Quote 1 members found this post helpful.

03-30-2013, 06:05 AM	#8
rasputin The Mad Monk Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Above the fray Posts: 3,261	It's from not planting them deep enough, usually. A light misting helps. __________________ The fates lead him who will; him who won't they drag. - Seneca
	Quote 4 members found this post helpful.

03-30-2013, 06:08 AM	#9
mack 10 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 6,662	I plant my seeds into soil and never get this problem. only if its a really light soil, I've heard people say to add extra clay to your soil to prevent this from happening. do you all germ into root riot cubes or something? __________________ Double OG.
	Quote

03-30-2013, 01:02 AM	#2
Hold Your Fire Finding my way back home Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Free flowing, happily lost in thought. Posts: 5,881	I've had the same experience so often I've become pretty good at removing shells with 2 pairs, of fine point hemostats.
	Quote

03-30-2013, 03:08 AM	#3
Pinball Wizard Si non oscillas, noli tintinnare Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Hooterville Posts: 2,933	I only get the 'helmet head' on my oldest (2007-10) homemade seeds that I didn't soak long enough.
	Quote

03-30-2013, 05:41 AM	#6
blue green Guest Posts: n/a	It is annoying, but I usually just cut along the seem of the shell, where it hasn't opened. Sometimes i accidently slice a line into the cotyledons, but it doesn't seem to hurt them? Some drops of water help to slide the shell off too.
	Quote

03-30-2013, 05:46 AM	#7
TribalSeeds Guest Posts: n/a	Ive only had it happen when I let it get too dry. My root temps are always pretty cold cuz I usually have air moving
	Quote

03-30-2013, 06:11 AM	#10
festerous Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Lost in Miller's Cave Posts: 564	I now pop all seeds in a disposable lasagna pan with lid, filled with 60% organic potting soil and 40% coco. My tomatoes all sprout within 5 days of planting using this method. The only time i get the dreaded "helmet head" is when i remove the lid too early due to the faster ones stretching towards a tiny pinhole of light from the lid.
	Quote