What triggers different growth stages?
Written by
Julia Anderson
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Plants move through stages of growth triggered by precise environmental and hormonal events. Each stage change occurs when specific ecological conditions trigger the activation of genetic programs. Germination begins with soil moisture, and flowering occurs in response to changes in the wavelength of light received. Understanding these mechanisms enables you to enhance your natural biological rhythms.
Germination Activators
- Water absorption triggers metabolic awakening in dormant seeds
- Soil temperatures between 65-85°F (18-30°C) activate enzymes
- Light exposure breaks dormancy in photoblastic seeds
Vegetative to Flowering Shift
- Photoperiod sensors detect day-length changes in leaves
- Blue light spectrum reduction initiates bud formation
- Sucrose accumulation signals energy reserves for reproduction
Fruiting & Senescence Signals
- Pollination success releases auxins that swell ovaries
- Potassium levels trigger sugar translocation into fruits
- Cooling temperatures and shorter days activate senescence genes
You can become acquainted with these natural triggers through cultivation methods. Chill the peach seeds beforehand to simulate winter stratification. Use red-spectrum lights to cause tomato flowering. I accelerated strawberry fruiting by applying potassium when the flowers appeared. Always match your treatments to the stage of growth that is coming.
Observe your plants for signs of transition. The splitting of the seed coat indicates germination. Budding is marked by thickening of the leaf nodes. Flowering begins with a color change at the tip of the stems. Observing these signs may help predict when they are likely to occur. The reliable patterns of my gardening journal suggested a close relationship between the first buds and the harvest dates.
Be mindful of the biological imprint each plant comes with. Forcing the various stages causes stress and failure of normal yields. Provide the same temperature and humidity in any transitions leading to new changes. Conserve moisture whenever the flowers are forming fruit. Remember not to prune while buds are being formed. With these suggestions, each plant will work with nature's schedule.
Read the full article: 6 Plant Growth Stages Explained Simply
