Seedling

A seedling is a young plant that develops from a seed after germination. Germination is the process in which a seed begins to grow when it has water, air, and a suitable temperature. The seedling stage comes after the seed has sprouted and before the plant becomes mature. At this stage, the plant is small and delicate. It depends on stored food from the seed and its early leaves to survive and grow.

A seedling begins to form when the embryo inside a seed starts to grow. The embryo is the early form of a plant. The first part to emerge is usually the root, called the radicle. The radicle grows downward into the soil and anchors the plant. It also absorbs water and minerals. After the root develops, the shoot grows upward. The shoot includes the stem and the first leaves. These early structures help the seedling establish itself in the environment.

Seedlings have special leaves called cotyledons. Cotyledons are often called seed leaves. They are different from the true leaves that grow later. Cotyledons provide stored food to the seedling. This food supports early growth before the plant can make its own food. Once the seedling reaches light, it begins photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants use light to make food from water and carbon dioxide.

As the seedling grows, true leaves begin to form. True leaves usually look different from cotyledons and are shaped like the leaves of the adult plant. When true leaves appear, the plant relies less on stored food and more on photosynthesis. The stem becomes stronger, and the root system spreads. The root system is the network of roots that supports the plant and absorbs water and nutrients from the soil.

Seedlings are sensitive to their surroundings. They need enough water, light, air, and space to grow properly. Too much or too little water can slow growth. Lack of light can cause weak stems. Extreme temperatures can damage young plants. In nature, many seedlings do not survive because of weather, animals, or lack of resources. Only some seedlings grow into mature plants.

Seedlings are found in many environments. They grow in forests, fields, gardens, and farms. Farmers and gardeners often raise seedlings in protected places before moving them into open soil. This helps the young plants grow stronger. Although seedlings are small, they represent an important stage in the life cycle of flowering plants, trees, and many other plant types.