Pepper helmet heads

jmsieglaff · February 18, 2017

I routinely get a lot of helmet heads on my peppers. I don't get nearly as many on my tomatoes. I use a sterile quality seed starting mix and keep the mix plenty moist. Anyone else have the same issue? I work the helmet heads off with spit and gentle tugging. Lose a few sprouts but most make it.

dmforcier · February 18, 2017

Most likely means that you're planting too shallow. The dirt should pull them off as the plant rises toward the sun. In rare cases where the cots don't escape on their own (misting is good), I use a magnifying light and two tweezers to tease the helmet off.

I've even had cases where the helmet prevent the cots from emerging at all, yet true leaves eventually form and the plant grows normally.

jmsieglaff · February 18, 2017

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmforcier

Most likely means that you're planting too shallow. The dirt should pull them off as the plant rises toward the sun. In rare cases where the cots don't escape on their own (misting is good), I use a magnifying light and two tweezers to tease the helmet off.

I've even had cases where the helmet prevent the cots from emerging at all, yet true leaves eventually form and the plant grows normally.

You're probably on to something, because everything else checks out. I'll try planting them deeper next year.

Rockandrollin · February 18, 2017

Last night I hit the helmet heads with water spray and about 20 min later they softened and came off very easy. First time trying this, maybe I got lucky. Time will tell

MissMoustache · February 19, 2017

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockandrollin

Last night I hit the helmet heads with water spray and about 20 min later they softened and came off very easy. First time trying this, maybe I got lucky. Time will tell

This is what I do. Usually come right off.

Ann123 · February 19, 2017

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockandrollin

Last night I hit the helmet heads with water spray and about 20 min later they softened and came off very easy. First time trying this, maybe I got lucky. Time will tell

This is the way. I moisten them and rub them after 15min or so. If it doesn't work I'll rewet them. It works every time.

Labradors2 · February 18, 2017

I start all my seeds on paper towel in a baggie and wait until I see the cots before planting into 3" pots.

Linda

Barb_FL · February 18, 2017

Quote:

Originally Posted by Labradors2

I start all my seeds on paper towel in a baggie and wait until I see the cots before planting into 3" pots.

Linda

I've been doing this for a couple of seasons now, and never get HH anymore. It also seems to cut out some germination time too.

Gardeneer · February 18, 2017

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barb_FL

I've been doing this for a couple of seasons now, and never get HH anymore. It also seems to cut out some germination time too.

I have done that way to but to me it is practical in small scale. How do you manage , say, 30 varieties ? For that reason I find seed starting cells more convenient, if you are not in hurry. I got all mine germinated in 4 to 7 days. JMO

KarenO · February 18, 2017

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gardeneer

I have done that way to but to me it is practical in small scale. How do you manage , say, 30 varieties ? For that reason I find seed starting cells more convenient, if you are not in hurry. I got all mine germinated in 4 to 7 days. JMO

4-7 days for peppers? i don't think so
KarenO

dmforcier · February 19, 2017

Quote:

Originally Posted by KarenO

4-7 days for peppers? i don't think so
KarenO

That's kinda short but not unreasonable. The most I'll go is 20 days. Usually 10 is a practical limit. (For baggie method. Sowing add a couple days.)

Gardeneer · February 19, 2017

Quote:

Originally Posted by KarenO

4-7 days for peppers? i don't think so
KarenO

I meant tomatoes. Peppers take much longer.
I have had pepper germinated in 7 days too. But you have to give them 85F temperatures.
My point was about germinating method.

rhines81 · February 18, 2017

I never worry about this at all. Nature has always taken its course and the plant escapes. It happens with maybe 1 out of 10 plants, usually corrects itself the same day, sometimes it takes 2 or 3 days, but it all works out on its own.

KarenO · February 18, 2017

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhines81

I never worry about this at all. Nature has always taken its course and the plant escapes. It happens with maybe 1 out of 10 plants, usually corrects itself the same day, sometimes it takes 2 or 3 days, but it all works out on its own.

I agree, let them be . I think of it as the seedling's first test. If it cant even get itself out of it's own seed coat, do you really want it? I like to plant extra whenever possible and select only the best seedlings right from the start. survival of the fittest.

KarenO

ginger2778 · February 18, 2017

Quote:

Originally Posted by KarenO

I agree, let them be . I think of it as the seedling's first test. If it cant even get itself out of it's own seed coat, do you really want it? I like to plant extra whenever possible and select only the best seedlings right from the start. survival of the fittest.

KarenO

Yeah, but that's cause you're a meanie!

February 18, 2017	#1
jmsieglaff Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Southern WI Posts: 2,742	Pepper helmet heads I routinely get a lot of helmet heads on my peppers. I don't get nearly as many on my tomatoes. I use a sterile quality seed starting mix and keep the mix plenty moist. Anyone else have the same issue? I work the helmet heads off with spit and gentle tugging. Lose a few sprouts but most make it.

February 18, 2017	#2
dmforcier Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 3,825	Most likely means that you're planting too shallow. The dirt should pull them off as the plant rises toward the sun. In rare cases where the cots don't escape on their own (misting is good), I use a magnifying light and two tweezers to tease the helmet off. I've even had cases where the helmet prevent the cots from emerging at all, yet true leaves eventually form and the plant grows normally. __________________ Stupidity got us into this mess. Why can't it get us out? - Will Rogers

February 18, 2017	#4
Rockandrollin Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Kennewick, WA (7a) Posts: 182	Last night I hit the helmet heads with water spray and about 20 min later they softened and came off very easy. First time trying this, maybe I got lucky. Time will tell

February 18, 2017	#7
Labradors2 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Ontario Posts: 3,896	I start all my seeds on paper towel in a baggie and wait until I see the cots before planting into 3" pots. Linda

February 18, 2017	#13
rhines81 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Zone 5A, Poconos Posts: 959	I never worry about this at all. Nature has always taken its course and the plant escapes. It happens with maybe 1 out of 10 plants, usually corrects itself the same day, sometimes it takes 2 or 3 days, but it all works out on its own.