What Do Seeds Need to Sprout?

INTRODUCTION

Where do baby plants come from? Plants come from seeds, but how do the seeds grow? Certain conditions must be met before a seed will sprout. Let’s take a closer look at what seeds need to become plants.

MATERIALS

• 4 small glass jars
• Paper towels
• Plastic food wrap
• Rubber bands
• Labels
• Water
• 8 bean seeds

WHAT TO DO

1. Label each jar with one of the following: "Light and Water," "Light and NO Water," "Cold and Water," "NO Light and Water."
2. Tear a single paper towel into four equal pieces. Fold each piece so it fits in the bottom of the jars.
3. Add water to the three jars that are labeled to contain water. Add enough water to completely moisten the paper towel.
4. Place two bean seeds in each jar.
5. Cover each jar with plastic wrap and use a rubber band to secure it.
6. Place the jars that need light in a window, place the cold jar in a cool or cold place (such as the refrigerator), and place the no light jar in a dark place, such as a drawer.
7. Observe each jar daily for any changes in the seeds.

QUESTIONS

1. Which seeds sprouted first? Second? Third? Last?
2. What does the order of the sprouting tell about what seeds need to sprout?
3. If you were planting a garden what conditions would you want for your seeds to grow well?

SUMMARY

Germination is the process by which seeds sprout. Seeds must go through several stages of development before being ready to sprout. When seeds are ready to be planted warmth, water, and oxygen are all needed for seed to germinate. This is because the seed contains the plant embryo, which stores enough food to give the baby plant all the energy it needs to sprout. After the seeds sprout and use up all the stored food, they do need light to grow. The light is needed for photosynthesis, which thereafter provides the plant’s food source.

SOURCE

"Janice Van Cleave’s Plants." Janice Van Cleave, John Wiley and Sons, Inc.: New York, 1997. ISBN 0-471-14687-0.

© S. Olesik, WOW Project, Ohio State University, 2003.