That is a very bad idea to take the shell off .The shell will come off on its own .I let my tap root grow about 3/8s of an inch then plant it .If it doesnt grow any more in the next 24 hours plant it and hope for the best.(Co Dee you should not be giveing info that might kill the plant or if you didnt know you shouldnt take the shell off even if it's planted and comeing up it will come off on it's on)