seeds Stubborn Chile Tepin seedling isn't growing much

[Proud Marine Dad]

This Chile Tepin came up in my propagator and it has looked like this for a couple of weeks now. Anyone else have this problem?
 

 

 

[DasBhut]

a few of mine looked like that until I put them in full sun

 

[ms1476]

They are finicky. Get em in a larger container (solo cup) with fresh soil and give em something different, like more sun. A change may lead to a change in growth.

 

[3/5King]

Can't really tell on my phone but it looks like a helmet head?

I'd cut that off and see where it gets ya

 

[Helltaco]

Looks to me like it ain't going far with the casing still on it.  A good root pruning would put your worries to rest.

 

[Proud Marine Dad]

I think I'll put it into a 4" seedling pot with my soil and maybe a little worm castings.

 

[willard3]

Needs more light.

 

[Jetchuka]

Can't really tell on my phone but it looks like a helmet head?

I'd cut that off and see where it gets ya

You may be right.
 
Inside the seed husk is another clear membrane, it can turn into a second helmet.
 
It can be tricky to remove. I did it once using a pair of my wife's dainty little scissors,,, cough.

 

[Proud Marine Dad]

I wet it good after putting it in a 4" pot and put it almost touching the 6500k fluorescent bulbs.

 

[Proud Marine Dad]

I may have to try and trim some of the seed casing away to allow it to grow but I am cautious about doing that as this is the only Tepin I have.

 

[Jetchuka]

Ahh, so it is a helmet head? I'd hate to say it, but if it hasn't popped off by now, it probably never will on it's own.
 
Maybe search the forums on the best way to remove a helmet head. Here's what i used.

 

[Proud Marine Dad]

I used my surgical scissors that I have for decals in model building and you are right, it is gone. Pisses me off as this is the second year I tried to grow a Tepin and last year they wouldn't even germinate and now this. Oh well who needs them anyhow?

 

[3/5King]

I noticed burying the seeds a little deeper helps pull the seed casing off as the seeds emerge. If you do get a helmet head, take a fresh razor blade and slice it open. To help the seedling along with pushing it off.

 

[Jetchuka]

Sorry to hear it, but unless you lopped the head completely off, don't give up on it yet.
 
I lopped off the leaves on my last attempt, but the 1st set of true leaves popped out afterwards anyway. I got real lucky with that one.

 

[Proud Marine Dad]

Yes the head came off and what was inside it was brown and dry. I yanked it so it's gone. It's too late in the season to fool around with plants that are stubborn.

 

[Helltaco]

... I yanked it so it's gone. It's too late in the season to fool around with plants that are stubborn.

 
Told Ya.

 

[Proud Marine Dad]

Tepin is now on my list of peppers to avoid. Two years trying and no results. They are not worth the hassle.

 

[Pr0digal_son]

Don't give up on a great pepper. The most important thing when germinating seeds is to make sure you purchase/trade for quality seeds. You are only as good as your seed quality.

 

[Dustin]

If you are up for the drive, I have a few Chiltepin plants you could have. Come down to Santa Monica and they are all yours.

 

[Proud Marine Dad]

Thanks Dustin but that's a bit far for pepper plants. I do appreciate the offer though.