A dormant, viable plant embryo with food reserves and protective coating, capable of germinating into a new plant when conditions are right.
In plain terms
Seeds are plant embryos in dormancy—alive but not growing, waiting for the right conditions (moisture, temperature, light). A viable seed contains a living embryo and enough stored food to power initial growth. Once planted in proper conditions, seeds germinate, developing a root and shoot.
Why this matters
Understanding seed basics helps you start seeds successfully and understand seed dormancy, viability, and storage.
In practice
Examples
Tomato seed planted in warm (70°F), moist soil; germinates in 5-7 days.
Same seed in cool (60°F) soil; takes 2-3 weeks.
Stored seed in cool, dry conditions remains viable for years; same seed exposed to heat and moisture loses viability quickly.
Old seed from last year; viability may be reduced; test by germinating before relying on full quantity.