What Are Plant Life Cycles?

All living things grow and change, and plants are no exception! A plant's life cycle describes the stages it goes through from a tiny seed to a full-grown plant, and then back to a seed again.

Stages of a Plant Life Cycle

1. Seed - Every plant starts as a seed. Seeds are like tiny packages that have everything a new plant needs to start growing.
2. Germination - When a seed gets water, warmth, and air, it begins to sprout. This is called germination. A small root grows downward, and a shoot grows upward.
3. Seedling - The shoot becomes a seedling, a tiny baby plant that grows leaves.
4. Adult Plant - The plant grows bigger, gets more leaves, and becomes strong. Many plants will grow flowers.
5. Flowering and Seed Production - Flowers can turn into fruits or seed pods, which make new seeds. The cycle begins again!

Real-World Connections

Understanding plant life cycles helps us know when to plant seeds in gardens or farms. Farmers and gardeners use this knowledge to grow healthy crops and flowers.

Fun Fact

Some plants can complete their life cycle in just a few weeks, while trees can take years!