Admin: SKB Seeds
What is the germination of a seed? It means the seed begins to grow into a new plant when it receives the right conditions, such as water, air, and temperature.
Inside every seed, there is a small baby plant called an embryo. When this embryo gets enough water, it wakes up and starts to grow. The root (radicle) emerges first and descends into the soil. Then the shoot (plumule) grows upward to reach sunlight.
In short, germination is the beginning of a seed’s life as a plant.
Germination is the first and most important step in farming. It decides how strong your crop will grow and how much yield you will get. If germination is good, your farming journey starts strong.
So good germination means healthy plants, better yield, and more income for farmers.
Seeds grow in different ways. When a seed starts to sprout, the baby plant can come out of the soil in two ways: Epigeal and Hypogeal germination. Knowing these types helps farmers decide how deep to sow seeds and how to take care of young plants so they grow strong and healthy.
1. Epigeal Germination
In this type, the seed leaves (cotyledons) come above the ground during germination. The seed coat breaks, the shoot grows upward, and the cotyledons rise into the sunlight.
These cotyledons become green and make food for the young plant until true leaves appear.
Epigeal germination mostly happens in dicot plants.
Examples: Beans, Castor, Cotton, Sunflower.
2. Hypogeal Germination
Here, the seed leaves stay below the soil while only the shoot (plumule) comes above the ground.
The food stored in the cotyledons supports the baby plant until it can make its own food.
This type of germination is seen in monocot plants, and the cotyledons do not turn green.
Examples: Maize, Rice, Peas, Groundnut.
Both types of germination help seeds grow, but the way the baby plant comes out of the soil is different in each. Understanding this helps farmers know how plants develop after sowing.
|
Feature |
Epigeal Germination |
Hypogeal Germination |
|
Position of cotyledons |
Above the ground |
Below the ground |
|
Light requirement |
Needs more sunlight |
Can grow with less light |
|
Example crops |
Beans, Cotton, Sunflower |
Maize, Rice, Peas |
|
Type of plant |
Mostly dicots |
Mostly monocots |
|
Function of cotyledons |
Help in photosynthesis |
Store food for the seedling |
Here are the 7 simple steps that every seed follows during germination:
1. Water Absorption (Imbibition)
The seed takes in water from the soil. It swells up, and the seed coat becomes soft.
2. Activation of Enzymes
Water starts the seed’s inner activity. Enzymes wake up and start using the stored food inside the seed.
3. Respiration Begins
The seed breathes in oxygen to make energy. Good air in the soil helps this step.
4. Cell Division
The baby plant’s cells start dividing and growing. The seed gets ready to come out of its shell.
5. Root Comes Out (Radicle Emergence)
The root is the first part that comes out. It holds the plant in the soil and takes in water.
6. Shoot Comes Out (Plumule Emergence)
The shoot grows upward and searches for sunlight.
7. Seedling Formation
Leaves open up, the plant becomes green, and it starts making its own food through sunlight.
For a seed to sprout and grow into a healthy plant, it needs the right conditions. Even a good-quality seed won’t germinate well if these basic needs are not met. Here are the main factors that affect seed germination:
1. Water (Moisture)
Water is the first and most important need for germination. It softens the seed coat and wakes up the baby plant inside.
2. Air (Oxygen)
Seeds need air to breathe and make energy for growth. If the soil is too tight or waterlogged, air cannot reach the seed.
3. Temperature
Every crop has its own best temperature range for germination. Too cold or too hot conditions can stop or delay sprouting.
4. Light
Some seeds need sunlight to sprout, while others grow better in darkness. For example, small seeds like lettuce need light, but larger seeds like beans can germinate in dark soil.
5. Seed Quality
The health and age of the seed matter a lot. Old, damaged, or diseased seeds may not germinate well.
6. Soil Condition
Soil should be soft, fertile, and rich in organic matter. Hard or poor soil can stop roots from growing.
7. Depth of Sowing
If you plant seeds too deeply, the shoot may not reach sunlight. If too shallow, the seed may dry out.
8. Seed Treatment
Untreated seeds can be affected by fungus or insects before germination.
Germination is the first and most important step in a seed’s journey to becoming a healthy plant. When seeds get the right amount of water, air, temperature, and care, they sprout quickly and grow strong. For farmers, understanding the germination of a seed is very important to better crop growth, higher yield, and more income.
By understanding the types, steps, and factors of germination, you can give every seed the best start possible. Always choose quality seeds, sow at the right depth, keep the soil moist, and watch your field turn green with healthy seedlings. Choose SKB Seeds for trusted quality and a strong start to every crop season.
1. What is the germination of a seed?
Germination of a seed means the start of a new plant’s life. When a seed gets enough water, air, and the right temperature, it wakes up and begins to grow. The root comes out first, followed by the shoot, and soon a small green plant appears above the soil.
2. What are the 7 steps of seed germination?
The main steps are:
3. What are the types of seed germination?
There are two types of seed germination:
4. What factors affect seed germination?
Important factors include water, air, temperature, light, soil conditions, seed quality, and depth of sowing. Without the right conditions, even good seeds won’t grow well.
5. Why is germination important for farmers?
Good germination means more plants, better yield, and higher profit. It also saves time, seeds, and effort by ensuring most seeds grow into healthy plants.
6. How long does it take for a seed to germinate?
It depends on the crop and weather. Some seeds, like moong or mustard, sprout in 2–3 days, while others, like maize or cotton, may take 5–10 days.
