A seed looks like a tiny pebble. But inside, a baby plant is curled up and waiting, with a packed lunch of food beside it. Give it water and warmth, and it wakes up!
Key idea
A seed needs water, warmth and air to sprout. A root grows down first, then a shoot grows up toward the light.
Why it works
Under the soil it is dark, so a young plant cannot make food yet. It uses the food stored inside the seed. When its first leaves reach the light, it can start making its own.
Worked example: Let's think it through
A bean seed is planted in dark, damp soil. Can it sprout?
- It has water from the damp soil.
- It has food stored inside the seed.
- It does not need light until its leaves come up.
Answer: Yes. Bean seeds sprout in the dark.
Common mistake
Many children think a seed needs sunlight to sprout. Beans, peas and corn sprout in the dark soil. The young plant needs light once its first leaves come up.
For the grown-up. Fold a damp paper towel inside a clear cup or a zip bag and tuck in two or three dry beans. Keep it damp and warm. In a few days you will see the root come out first, then the shoot.