This thread made me think about some issues I have had with cracking the beans and getting them into soil. I would like to see at least 1/4-1/2 inch out, but the last bean I popped had barely cracked the shell when I dropped it in. Doing fine.

But to my point. There have been times when the bean wouldn't pop open....it swelled, but no white root. So I have taken forceps and very carefully put force on the seam until it cracked. Next day I had a 3/4 inch root. Don't give up on seeds that don't crack is my whole point....took me long enough didn't it.