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Deep South, USA

Hello.

I've got my first seedling of 2011 germinated. It's from the 180 Dawson. I planted in pots about a week ago.

It looks a little spindly, but it's only become visible over the last couple of days so I'm not overly concerned about that yet.

My main concern right now is that the seed coat is stuck on the cots. What's the best way to correct this problem?

4/13/2011 2:05:14 PM

Garner, NC

Hey Yoshi, best of luck this year, I hope that seed grows you a nice melon. Don't worry about the seed coat, it will come off when it's ready. However if it's not off in a few days and looks like it is hindering growth just gently pull it off. I had a cantaloupe seedling hold it's coat for a while, and I simple pulled it off.
As far as the spindly part, make sure it gets plenty of light, and cut the heat down since it's germinated, and you'll be fine.

4/13/2011 2:40:15 PM

sevierville, Tn

Put a drop of water on the seed coat 15 min before you try to remove it to make it softer.

Use very small movements & pressure. The seedling will break under stress.

You can clip open 1 side to help remove.

4/13/2011 2:48:14 PM

Deep South, USA

Thank you, I hope I can manage them better than I did last year. I'm shooting for planting around mid May. Last year I didn't get planted until early June, and I don't think that helped anything with the hot summers around here.

I've heard of putting a small amount of water on a seed coat, but wasn't sure it would work for melons. I'll remember that, thanks. :) Last year I had one hang on until it ruined the seedling.

I want to give them as much natural light as I can, but this time of year the weather can't make up it's mind temp wise. Forecast tonight is for a low of 50. Will it be okay to leave them out tonight? Only the one has germinated as far as I know.

I'm not going to have space for a large number of plants, so I'm going to try to grow about 4 this year. I've finally learned not to grow them all in the same hill, so that's a plus.

I'm hoping to build very gradual success. I'm sure I don't have the wherewithal to seriously challenge the world record this year, but would be quite happy with something over 100 lbs. I know the century mark isn't really the grandest milestone, but it would signal potential better future success.

I'd be thrilled to go over 200 lbs, even spread over 2 melons.

4/13/2011 4:06:48 PM

Rochester, Minnesota

I use a spritz bottle and spray it occasionally. I rarely have to coax off the seed.

4/13/2011 4:40:43 PM

Muddy Waters

I take tweezers 2 pair & gently seperate the 2 sides

4/13/2011 6:35:27 PM

formerly RGG

I have used a really sharp knife a few times to help split the seed coating in half.

4/14/2011 12:00:14 AM

Deep South, USA

Well, I placed a small amount of water on the seed coat.
Went and got the mail, (it takes a few minutes) and came
back. Taking both hands, I used my fingernails and opened
the coat. It came off with a snap and I thought "Uh-oh!",
but looking at the seed leaves underneath I don't believe
I did any damage.

However, I think I removed the coat in the nick of time. It
was starting to slice through the cots, and even left a
hole and some upper green removed on both leaves. They are
still in one piece, so I think the plant will survive this.

I remember reading that planting the seed in a certain
orientation will prevent or reduce the chances of
adhearance. Is this true?

4/15/2011 4:50:16 PM

Bethlehem CT

If you plant them on their side, the seed coat generally is pulled off as it pushes it's way up through the soil. If you plant tip first, you get a lot more seed coats that stick. (from what I have seen.)

4/15/2011 5:22:07 PM

Bethlehem CT

I meant to say tip down.

4/15/2011 5:22:40 PM

Dummer Twp - Ontario

239 Leonard, 2 - 222 Hunts, 235 Donkers all sprouted so far and the 222'2 have popped up out of the soil as well now so they are under the lights, donkers is coming out of soil today by the looks of it. Still waiting for the other 239 to sprout, might have to start another one

4/16/2011 8:25:27 AM

Muddy Waters

I take mine out of germinator as soon as soil is cracked is that the way you others do it??Then let room temp before water if needed.

4/16/2011 9:39:50 AM

Deep South, USA

I've got a 180 (88 Dawson), a 169.5 (203 Boyette), and two 134 (225 Bright) that I plan to grow in my garden. All are IceMan's seeds. Some good genetics here.

After about 10 Days, three of the four have germinated. The only one left not visible now is one of the two 134's. I've heard it takes 14 Days to germinate, so I'm not overly worried about it yet. The 134's are the latest to germinate.

4/16/2011 8:12:47 PM