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Day 1 - 3
The radicle (embryonic root) emerges. Seedlings emerge from the soil. Two cotyledons (seed leaves) appear and the hypocotyl (embryonic stem) extends upward. Green (chlorophyll) pigment can be seen. -
Period: to
Fast plant life cycle
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Day 4 - 9
Cotyledons enlarge. True leaves emerge and develop. Flower buds appear in the growing tip of the plant. -
Day 10 - 12
Stem elongates between the nodes (points of leaf attachment). Flower buds rise above the leaves. Leaves and flower buds continue to enlarge -
Day 13 - 17
Flowers open. Floral parts can be identified. Flowers can be cross-pollinated (from one plant to another) for 3-4 days. Pollen is viable for 4-5 days and stigmas remain receptive to pollen for 2-3 days after a flower opens. After final pollination, prune off the remaining unopened flower buds and side shoots. Pruning directs the plant's energy into developing the seed. -
Day 18 - 22
Petals drop from the pollinated flowers. Pods elongate and swell. Development of the seed and embryonic plant has begun and will continue until approximately Day 36. -
DAy 23 - 36
Seeds mature and ripen. Lower leaves yellow and dry. Twenty days after final pollination (about Day 36) plants should be removed from water. -
Day 36 - 40
Plants dry down and pods turn yellow. On Day 40, pods can be removed from dried plants. Seed can be harvested. The cycle is complete.
