What seeds need
Seeds need water, warmth, and air (oxygen) to germinate. They do NOT need sunlight to start.
The first parts
First a root grows down, then a shoot grows up toward the light. The seed's stored food feeds the baby plant.
Becoming a plant
Once leaves appear, the plant starts making its own food using sunlight (photosynthesis).
🔑 Key Terms
- Germination
- When a seed begins to grow into a plant.
- Shoot
- The first stem that grows upward from a seed.
- Photosynthesis
- How plants use sunlight to make their own food.
Did you know?
Some seeds can stay alive for over 1,000 years before germinating! A date palm seed from 2,000 years ago was successfully grown in 2005.
Try it at home: Bean in a jar
- Place a wet paper towel inside a clear glass.
- Push a dry bean between the towel and the glass.
- Keep the towel damp and watch for 5–7 days.
- Draw what you see each day.