Lettuces germinating with seed cases on

[Penellype]

Lettuce are something of a puzzle to me. Around half the time they germinate and grow as expected, around half the time this happens:



There are plenty of germinated seeds, but all except one have the seed cases stuck over the seed leaves. I know from experience that these will simply keel over and die because the seed leaves can't get any light.

I know that lettuces need light to germinate, I sow the seeds on top of the compost and actual germination is not the problem. Does anyone have any ideas how I can stop this from happening?

(I should have added that this is new seed, bought in the autumn, variety Chiltern Seeds winter mix, and that the last lot I sowed from the same packet germinated and grew perfectly well. This happens randomly with loads of different varieties, old seed and new.)

[Bren In Pots]

No idea to stop this happening but I do know that if you keep moistening the seed case they eventually get soft enough to lift of without you decapitating the seedling. I've had the same thing happen to toms as times.

[veggiechicken]

Are they too dry? Perhaps spray the seed cases?

[Thelma Sanders]

I think it is surface sowing that is the problem tbh
It's the pushing through to the surface that removes the seed case. The don't like to be deeply sown, I know, but try a light sprinkling of compost - just a few mm doesn't stop them germinating..

[toomanytommytoes]

Perhaps a light layer of vermiculite over the top to stop them drying out?

[Penellype]

Thanks all, will try a little compost over the latest sowing (I don't have any fine vermiculite), and will try spraying the plants that have emerged with seed cases on.

[Bluenowhere]

If you are very gentle you could try wetting your fingers then gently holding the seed case. I find if I do this a few times it is moist enough to gently remove without decapitating the seedling. Not 100% successful but worth it especially if it is seedlings you have fewer of to start with.

[Deano's "Diggin It"]

The idea being why many people soak their seeds before sowing just to soften the outer casing and give the little "Chums" a better fighting chance

Some in a weak tea solution, some in a camomile weak tea solution, all seems a little to much faff to me, but I do soak my older seed in a little teped water overnight before sowing if I think it will aid in germination, cause my "Fat Fingers" are not really that good at being delicate! ..................