Short answer
Mist the stuck shell, keep the air humid (65–75% RH), and wait 24–48 hours; most cannabis seedlings shed it themselves. Only ease it off gently once it is soft and still trapping the leaves. Never pull a dry shell. Grower practice.
Why
The shell (seed coat) dries hard once it is above the surface and grips the cotyledons. Water softens it and lets it slide off.
Soil normally holds the shell back as the shoot pulls through. Shallow planting or a dry, crusted surface lets the shell ride up with the leaves.
The cotyledons feed the seedling until true leaves take over, so tearing one off is a real setback. Losing a day or two waiting costs less.
Don't overcorrect by flooding the pot. A soggy surface and a sealed, unvented dome invite damping-off [2].
Once the leaves open, give the seedling proper light: young plants lit well root and grow better than dim ones [1].
The numbers
| Item | Target |
|---|---|
| Wait before intervening | 24–48 h |
| Air humidity | 65–75% RH |
| Air temperature | 23–27 °C (73–81 °F) |
| Planting depth to prevent it | 0.5–1.5 cm (¼–½ in) |
What to do
- Mist the shell with room-temperature water two or three times a day.
- Put a vented dome or clear cup over the seedling to keep humidity up.
- After 24 hours, mist again, wait five minutes, then try a gentle wiggle.
- If a thin inner membrane binds the leaves, tease it open with a clean needle tip.
- If it won't budge, stop and try again the next day.
Common mistakes
- Pulling a dry shell and snapping the stem.
- Squeezing the cotyledons rather than the shell's edges.
- Burying the seedling deeper to "push" the shell off.
- Drowning the pot instead of misting the shell.
Related
- Full article: Seedling care: the first three weeks
- Which way up do I plant a seed? · Do seedlings need a dome?
- Terms: seed coat · cotyledon
