What is Germination?
Germination is a process in which a seed or spore awakens from dormancy and starts to sprout. Many people study germination in action in science classes in their childhood by growing seeds such as beans or peas in the classroom, and a quick trip outside will probably reveal at least a few examples of germination, especially in the spring. This process is critical to the growth of new plants, and it can be quite fascinating to watch from start to finish. Both seeds and spores experience periods of dormancy. Dormancy is often influenced by external factors such as temperature and light availability, with seeds and spores being programmed to remain dormant if conditions are unfavorable for growth. People can manipulate these conditions to force germination or dormancy, as when people grow spring bulbs inside during the winter. The dormancy stage may also be programmed into the seed or spore, which means that it will not germinate in favorable conditions until the internal clock determines
Germination is the growth of a plant embryo into a seedling. Seeds are created when the pollen of the male flower unites with the egg from the female flower. When the seed matures, and is put in an environment that is favorable (like soil), the embryo will begin growing rapidly and will burst through the seed coating. The first part of a seed to emerge is called a radicle. This will develop into the primary root of the plant.
