Plant Growth Stages: How to Identify Each Phase

Your plants progress through distinct growth phases, beginning with seed germination and continuing until maturity. Each stage requires specific care actions to maximize the quality of your harvest.

The seed stage is the very beginning of your plant's life cycle. It starts on the first day you insert your pods and continues until you see the first signs of growth.

Tips for Success

• Keep pods moist: The most important task during this stage is to ensure the pods stay consistently wet. Dry pods can prevent germination. They should be noticeably wet but not drenched.

• Re-wetting pods: Check on the pods daily and re-wet as needed to keep them hydrated.

• No nutrients in water: The water the pods take up should not have any nutrients in it as it is not optimal for the seed.

The seedling stage begins when you start to see growth from your pods and lasts until most of your plants develop their first true leaves.

Tips for Success

1. Thinning is key: Some plants require thinning to avoid overcrowding in the future.

   Thinning ensures your plants have enough space to grow strong and healthy. Remove excess seedlings early on to prevent overcrowding.

   • Leafy greens and herbs (e.g., lettuce, arugula, pak choi, basil, coriander, dill): Keep 1–2 plants per pod

   • Fruiting plants (e.g., cherry tomatoes, snap peas, strawberries): Keep 1 plant per pod

   • No thinning needed for certain plants (e.g., chives, marjoram, etc.)

2. Keep checking moisture: Like in the seed stage, pods can dry out. Re-wet them if necessary.

The true leaves stage begins when your plants develop their second set of leaves, which are known as true leaves. These typically resemble miniature versions of the plant’s mature leaves.

The growth stage kicks in once your seedlings have established a sturdy stem and several sets of leaves. During this phase, plants focus on expanding their foliage and strengthening roots, setting the foundation for vigorous health. You’ll notice faster leaf production and a deepening green color.

At this stage it is important to start pruning and harvesting regularly so that the plant does not become overgrown which can lead to bitter tasting plants.

📸 [Picture of a plant in growth stage coming soon]
Example: A basil plant and an iceberg lettuce showing multiple sets of true leaves.