Trying to interpret those photos, I get the impression that the germination is epigeal. The Lily seeds that I've grown were definitely epigeal. If the parts that are visible in your photos are the radicle and protobulb, then the cotyledon is still in the seed shell, and as it expands, it will push the seed husk above ground. David E. ________________________________ From: Richard <richrd@nas.com> To: Pacific Bulb Society <pbs@lists.ibiblio.org> Sent: Thu, March 14, 2013 8:37:30 PM Subject: [pbs] lily germ pics This are Lilium canadense seeds in the first stage of germination. It is a delayed hypogeal species and has been in warm stratification (69 deg F) for 30 days as have the others. http://flic.kr/p/e3knc5/ Another delayed hypogeal species, Lilium michiganense, with exactly the same timing in warm strat as above. The bulb like structures at this stage of germination is interesting to watch. http://flic.kr/p/e3kn9m/ This species, Lilium philladelphicum, appears to be putting out a radicle rather than the bulb like structures above. http://flic.kr/p/e3knf7/ I've been checking these seeds in warm stratification every 7 days. I'll hold them in warm strat for another week at slightly cooler temperatures, then move to cold and watch carefully for 3 months. If the root continues to develop I'll plant in a container and hold in cool conditions until they begin to emerge. Rich