Germinate
/JER-mih-nayt/✂️ Propagation● Basic
Also known as: germination, sprouting, sprout
The process by which a seed emerges from dormancy and begins to develop into a seedling. Germination typically requires adequate moisture, oxygen, suitable temperature, and sometimes light or darkness. The process begins when the seed coat absorbs water (imbibition), causing the embryo to swell and rupture the seed coat. The radicle (embryonic root) emerges first, followed by the shoot. Germination rates and timing vary enormously between species.
Etymology
Latin germinare (to sprout, bud), from germen (sprout, bud)
Example
“Tomato seeds germinate best at soil temperatures between 70–80°F and typically emerge within 5–10 days.”