Seed Germination Stages and Requirements

• Germination is the process of a seed growing into a seedling.
• The seed contains an embryo made of the plumule (that grows into the shoot) and the radicle (that grows into the root).
• The parent plant provides the embryo with a food store in the cotyledon and/or endosperm.
• The embryo is protected by a tough testa.

Seed Germination Stages

• Radicle: Emerges first.
• Seed coat: Then splits
• Hypocotyl: Develops
• Cotyledon: Provides initial nourishment as the first leaves (epicotyl) appear.
• Root: Develops to take hold.

Germination Requirements

• Seeds requires three conditions.
• Water: Moves quickly into the micropyle, activating enzymes and breaking down starch into glucose for respiration.
• Oxygen: Needed for respiration.
• Warmth: Provides the optimum temperature for enzymes.
• A seed contains a small baby plant known as the embryo.
• Other requirements for seed growth include moisture, warmth, nutrient-rich soil, sunlight, and a good quality seed.

Germination Process

• Energy is released from stored food via respiration, fueling the growth of the radicles and plumule.
• Radicle: Grows downward into the soil.
• Plumule: Grows upward, developing into the shoot above ground.
• First leaves: Once developed, the seedling starts photosynthesis to make its own food, growing more leaves and a root system.
• A radicle emerges as the first sign of growth.
• The radicle searches for water and nutrients and secures the plant in the soil.

Additional Information

• Germination speed depends on the temperature, with warmer temperatures accelerating the process.
• The ideal germination temperature is 18 to 24°C (64 to 75°F).
• Seeds typically take 1 to 2 weeks to germinate.
• First the seed absorbs water from the soil, providing moisture to the embryo.
• Imbibition is the softening and swelling of the seed coat.
• Food is present in the cotyledons, activating enzymes and nourishing the plant.
• Cells duplicate and the seed coat ruptures, with a tiny root emerging.
• Seed cells become metabolically active and elongate.
• The cotyledons fall off once their job is done.
• Leaves take over food supply through photosynthesis.
• This is the completion of germination, as the plant rises above ground in search of sunlight.
• Bean seeds take 4 to 10 days to germinate, and should be transplanted after the soil reaches 70°F (21°C) .
• Apple seeds need 60 to 90 days of moist and cold conditions to germinate.
• Apple trees (Malus domestica) start producing fruit after 2 to 10 years based on the rootstock or if grown from seed; dwarf trees fruit first, while seedlings need at least six years of growth before fruiting.
• Grape seeds sprout in about two weeks, however some can take more than two months to germinate.
• Seedlings should be transplanted them into 4-inch pots when they have two sets of leaves, developing woody vines and lush leaves quickly, taking up to three years to bear fruit.