1. Imbibition or intake of moisture Imbibition means intake. It is the absorption of a liquid or a gel without forming a solution. 2.

Appearance of radicle Here a small sprout emerges from the bottom of the bean seed. This is the main root of the bean and is called the radicle. This stage is only visible if the seed is germinated above ground.

3. Emergence The second stage of bean seed development is the emergence of the seedling. In this stage a small shoot pushes its way out of the ground, rooted by its primary root and a developing network of secondary roots. The stalk of this shoot, called a hypocotyl, pulls buds, called cotyledons, up and out of the soil. Once these cotyledons are exposed to sunlight, they begin photosynthesis, which feeds the seedling. At this stage the bean plant might start needing nutrients added to the soil.

4. Cotyledon Stage As the bean seed goes through this stage of growth where the stem straightens up. The two cotyledons break apart and turn toward the sun to reveal the first two plant leaves.

5. Trefoil Seedling Here the two cotyledons fall off and additional leaves appear on the bean plant.