New here, Japanese black pine question

[dtreesj]

I'm trying to grow some Japanese black pine from seeds, and I've noticed they're coming up with the seed coat on. I grow a lot of plants so I know it's normal some times for the seed coat to be stuck so I carefully remove them, but I tried this on one and it was like the seed embryo wasn't fully developed yet and I basically killed it. I have them in peat pods on a heat mat so it could be they're just long sprouts that are pushing the seed out of the soil.

Edit:
I found a thread where somebody else grew them and they look pretty normal so I guess I answered my own question. Will still take any advice though.

 

[sorce]

Welcome to Crazy!

Sorce

 

[Shibui]

Let them be. This is normal. As the new cotyledons expand they will push the seed coat off and open normally. Very occasionally one will not have the strength or the seed coat gets too dry and you can pull it off but wait for a few weeks at least to give them the chance.
Remember that they have been doing this unaided for millions of years.