From Seed to Harvest: Understanding the Stages of Plant Growth

Written By Lara Wadsworth

There are so many different kinds of plants on the earth that it can be overwhelming at times, especially when all we are trying to do is have a successful garden. But when that garden contains 10 to 40 or more different kinds of plants, it can be frustrating to feel like we have to understand them all individually in order to help them grow. The cool thing about plants is that although they are all different, they generally follow the same growth stages. Understanding this basic sequence of events can help you broadly understand all plants and, therefore, how to help them grow. Use this as a jumping-off point when you are learning about any individual plant or gardening in general! Let's dive in.

Germination

Any plant that starts from seed goes through germination. Germination is the process by which a dormant seed absorbs water and begins growing into a plant. This is triggered by the perfect combination of moisture, light (or lack thereof), and warmth. The seed will split open during germination, and a tiny root will emerge. This tiny root becomes the catalyst for the rest of the plant. It hungrily takes in all the water and nutrients it can to make way for the vertical shoot.

Just after the root emerges, a tiny shoot will appear, and with it, the hope of developing leaves is just around the corner. This phase of germination, though fleeting, is a crucial foundation for the plant's future. It marks the threshold between dormancy and vitality, transforming a seemingly lifeless seed into a burgeoning seedling. It is at this stage that some plants can be eaten as sprouts. Broccoli, mung beans, radishes, and more can all be sprouted (put through the germination process) and then eaten. This stage offers a unique nutrient profile that is more robust than seed but takes far less time and space than the mature plant. Because germinated seeds are primed for a robust spurt of growth, they can pack up to 40 times the nutrients available in mature vegetables for their comparably tiny size.

Cotelydeon Development

As soon as the first tiny little leaves appear, the plant has entered the cotyledon stage. Sometimes also referred to as “seed leaves,” the cotyledons play a crucial role in nourishing and supporting the young plant. Cotyledons serve as the first source of nutrients for the seedling. Packed within the seed during its formation, these embryonic leaves provide essential energy and sustenance for the initial stages of growth. As the cotyledons unfurl, they kickstart the process of photosynthesis, enabling the seedling to produce its food. The appearance of these cotyledons can also indicate the health of the seed. Issues of nutrient deficiencies or environmental stress may be a cause for abnormalities. However, small abnormalities are not much to worry about as this first set of leaves can sustain damage when emerging from the seed coat or pushing through compact soil.

The cotyledon stage is when microgreens are typically consumed. Microgreens are seeds from almost any edible vegetable that are densely packed onto a growing medium and grown to the cotyledon stage. Getting the seed to this stage unlocks a broader array of nutrients that are more easily absorbed. During the cotyledon phase (microgreen stage), it is important to get a good balance of moisture, warmth, and light. The seedlings are still quite delicate, and any imbalances can be detrimental. This is why many garden plants are started indoors, where the climactic conditions can be more easily controlled.

True Leaves Vs. Cotelydons

One of the most frequently asked questions I get from friends when they are sprouting their own seeds is, “How do I know if a leaf is a cotyledon or a true leaf?” Because these leaves indicate different developmental stages in a plant and should be treated differently, it is important to distinguish the two. Simply put, cotyledons are the first two leaves that sprout from the seed. The other leaves that sprout after this first pair are true leaves. But there are more ways to tell them apart, too. True leaves often have a shape and structure characteristic of the particular plant species. They exhibit the unique features that make each plant identifiable, such as the serrations of tomato leaves or frills of parsley. Compared to cotyledons, true leaves are more intricate and diverse. The emergence of true leaves signifies that the seedling has transitioned from relying on stored energy to generating its sustenance through photosynthesis. At this stage, a supplemental mycorrhizae amendment can be added to the soil to boost root development if desired.

When growing seedlings indoors, it is critical to provide the right light intensity during this transitional stage. Failing to do so will prevent the seedlings from progressing to the vegetative growth stage. Continue to water the seedlings consistently, ensuring that the soil remains evenly moist. Avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot or mold. As soon as true leaves emerge, it is typical to begin fertilization. Seedlings do not need fertilizer before this time, and it can sometimes be harmful to add fertilizer before the true leaves appear. Adjust nutrient levels based on the plant's growth. While cotyledons primarily rely on stored nutrients, true leaves engage in active photosynthesis and may benefit from a balanced fertilizer. If you’re looking for a good one, Mighty Plant’s Organic Growth Plant Food is a fantastic option for this stage.

Vegetative Growth

Once the seedlings start to produce new leaves continuously, you are officially in the vegetative growth stage. Just like before, light and water are some of the most important factors. During this stage, the plant experiences a burst of leafy exuberance. The primary focus is on the proliferation of leaves, which serve as the plant's solar panels, capturing sunlight to fuel the process of photosynthesis. A third component is now entering the field in earnest: nutrients. In particular, nitrogen is critical for the development of leaves. Consider adding supplemental fertilizer high in nitrogen to ensure the plant has all the help it can get.

This is also the stage where you can strategically train the plant to influence its growth habits and yields later in the season. Pruning, punching, and structural support can all support the plants development to have a more desirable growth pattern for the following stages. Removing excess foliage or pinching back growing tips can redirect the plant's energy, leading to a more robust and well-shaped structure. During this stage, be aware of the plant’s appearance. Vibrant green leaves, free from discoloration or pest damage, indicate a thriving plant. Any abnormalities, such as yellowing or spots, may be indicative of nutrient deficiencies or pest infestations, necessitating prompt attention. It is also possible that during this stage, a plant may need to be repotted, transplanted, or moved to accommodate its growth.

Bud Formation

When a plant reaches the bud formation stage, it is incredibly exciting and tells you that you’re doing something right with its care. This phase signifies the plant's transition from vegetative growth to the onset of reproductive processes. It is a complicated mix of hormones and processes that initiate bud formation. But all you really need to know is that it is the beginning of the reproductive cycle for the plant, and monitoring bud development can indicate the plant’s health and readiness for the flowering stage. Plump, firm buds indicate a robust and well-nourished plant, while stunted or discolored buds may signal nutrient deficiencies or environmental stress.

Bud formation also indicates a shift in the nutrient needs of the plant. Nitrogen is still used, but it is much less important. Rather, phosphorus and potassium play a more significant role in the flowering and fruiting stage, and it is at this point that a fertilizer low in nitrogen should be applied to the soil. All fertilizers should have three numbers prominently displayed on the packaging. Choose one where the second two numbers are the biggest and the first is either low or zero. For example, Might Plant’s BudCharge Fertilizer is perfect for this stage. Adding nitrogen at this point may encourage the plant to produce more leaves rather than develop buds, flowers, and, ultimately, fruit.

In some cases, you may choose to pinch off the first few buds that a plant puts on and fertilize with nitrogen. Doing this is a good idea if the plant is still small and rather juvenile. Postponing bud development will ensure the plant is large and robust enough to handle fruit development later in the season.

Flowering

Once you have fertilized properly and the plant is ready to progress in the reproductive process, flowering can commence! What a wonderful stage in the plant’s growth. Each flower belonging to various plant species is unique in appearance and sometimes function. But, all you need to know to get through this stage is that the reproductive organs are located in the flower. This is why pollinators are so important. Pollinators are attracted to flowers, land on them, and then land on other flowers. This is how pollen is passed between plants and also who prompts the plant to continue to the fruiting stage.

As plants transition to the flowering stage, there is a noticeable shift in energy allocation. Nutrient demands, particularly for potassium, rise to support the development of flowers and subsequent seed production. Adequate care during this phase ensures optimal bloom and a bountiful harvest in fruiting plants. A good fertilizer option for this stage is Prime2Bud by Mighty Plant. For some plants, the flowering stage is the peak of their life, and their fruit is small or inedible. For other plants, the flowering stage is simply a necessary precursor to the more coveted fruiting stage. Humans are sustained by fruiting plants. Not just the traditional berries and tree fruits that most think of, but grains, beans, and pulses of all kinds are also technically the ‘fruit’ of a plant and provide essential micro and macro nutrients for us.

Fruiting

Some plants do it just once; some plants do it hundreds of times each year. Either way, fruiting is the goal. Whether that means tiny, inconspicuous seeds within a brown pod, samaras that will fall to the forest floor, or delectable juicy tomatoes, all entail flowering, fertilization, and maturation. This metamorphosis is orchestrated by complex hormonal processes that trigger cell division, expansion, and the accumulation of essential nutrients. It is important that growers understand that as the fruit develops, the plant allocates significant resources to nourish and protect the seeds within. Sugars, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants accumulate, contributing to the nutritional value and palatability for the spreading of viable seeds.

Once the fruit is fully mature, the plant attempts to disperse the seeds. This can occur in a vast number of ways, including animals, wind, gravity, water, and more. Picking fruits at the pinnacle of ripeness ensures optimal flavor and nutritional content unmatched by those picked early to endure commercial processing and shipping. Different fruits exhibit distinct signs of ripeness, such as changes in color, a sweet aroma, or a gentle yield to pressure. Harvesting is an art requiring an understanding of each fruit's unique cues.

Dormancy and Energy Storage

After fruiting, certain perennials, tubers, and bulbs will go dormant during the winter and reemerge in the spring for another growing season. In order to survive the dormant season and prepare for another, these types of plants will divert nutrients underground to their roots or bulbs in order to prepare for the next year. This is why you should always wait to prune back perennial foliage until either late fall, early winter, or spring to give the plants the most time to store energy and nutrients. The best time to prune will depend on when the plant develops buds and on what type of growth buds form on. We recommend consulting your local extension office for information regarding the best time to prune your perennial fruiting plants.

The stages of plant growth are a little bit different for every plant. However, they all share many similarities and can be manipulated to produce the type of plant you hope for. Whether you are growing tulips, peppers, trees, or ornamental grasses, this information can be an asset to you as you determine how to care for your garden.

Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

I am a native of Southwestern Michigan, where I also reside, and I love all things plants! I got a Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture and found the first work-from-home job I could get. Now, I spend my days writing for TLM, playing with my dog, eating delicious food with my husband, and plotting my next landscape or gardening move. I believe everyone should get down and dirty in the soil now and then. Happy Gardening!