Plant cycle

Growth and Development of Flowering Seeds

By ivykpugh

  • The First Step: Seeds

    The First Step: Seeds
    Seeds can be spread by animals, wind or can simply fall out of the original plant.
  • Period: to

    The Cycle of Flowering Seeds

  • Germination: The Right Conditions

    Germination: The Right Conditions
    Once a seed has landed where it's going to grow, it needs the proper conditions in order to germinate (begin to grow). Seeds need the proper amount of sunlight, water and air.

  • Germination: Roots

    Germination: Roots
    After being in the soil for a few days the seed will absorb enough water to make the seed coat split and the embryo's (baby plant) roots will begin to grow. Growing roots allows the plant to get more water.

  • Growth: Sprouting

    Growth: Sprouting
    As the plant absorbs more water, the roots will push downwards and the stem will push upwards through the soil.

  • Growth: Leaves

    Growth: Leaves
    Once the stem has pushed through the soil, leaves will begin to grow on either side of the stem.

  • Growth: Photosynthesis

    Growth: Photosynthesis
    In order to complete the growth phase, the plant must make it's own food. This process is called photosynthesis and it begins as soon as the leaves sprout.

  • Photosynthesis

    Photosynthesis
    Photosynthesis is completed by the chloroplasts in the plant's leaves converting sunlight into food. During photosynthesis the plant's stem will continue to grow taller and closer to the sun. The stem will pass food from the leaves to the roots.

  • Growth: Flowers

    Growth: Flowers
    After the plant has produced enough food through photosynthesis, more leaves will grow, as well as flower buds.

  • Flowers

    Flowers
    After a few more days, and more food, the flower buds will develop into flowers with petals.

  • Pollination

    Pollination
    After the flowers have developed, bees and other insects will pollinate them by having the pollen produced in the flowers stick to their legs and wings as they fly to different plants. Wind can also help in pollinating plants by blowing pollen from one plant onto another.

  • New Seeds

    New Seeds
    Once the plants are pollinated by bees or wind, new seeds will be produced.

  • Spreading Seeds

    Spreading Seeds
    Once the new seeds have been produced, the new seeds can be spread by animals, wind, or humans. Once the seeds are spread though, the cycle begins again.