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Seed Dormancy and Germination Cues

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State

Seed dormancy is a period of suspended growth ending only when species-specific cues — cold, light, fire, or a softened seed coat — signal favorable germination conditions.

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A temperate seed requiring vernalization stays dormant through winter cold, germinating only once conditions turn favorable in spring.

Watch for

Dormancy can last months to decades depending on species — not a fixed, universal waiting period.