A seed contains an embryo that germinates and the store of food around the embryo which it consumes. If a seed does not have an embryo it is called an empty seed and will never germinate. However, a seed that has an embryo and does not germinate is not empty but is subject to external factors. Under favorable conditions, the seed begins to germinate and the embryonic tissues resume growth, developing to become a seedling.
In order to germinate and grow a seed needs the following things:
a) Water
b) Oxygen
c) Right temperature
d) Light or darkness
Once a seed is in the ground, it must get the right amount of moisture for two reasons:
a) It needs to absorb water and swell so that the seed coat can split and the embryo can break out.
b) The moisture turns the food in the seed into usable chemicals so that the embryo can partake and grow. Without the right amount of water, the seed will be dormant.
Oxygen – this is necessary for metabolism and aerobic respiration until the seed can grow leaves which it can then use to take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. Without oxygen the seed is dormant.
Right Temperature – the temperature affects the rate of cellular metabolism as well as the rate of growth. Seeds that have the wrong temperature remain dormant.
Light or darkness – Some seeds require light to germinate while others require total darkness to do the same.
One thing you have to understand is that a seed will not begin to grow in conditions that will not sustain it. Instead it remains dormant until such a time as all the requirements are met and can sustain its germination and growth.
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