The germination process of a dicot seed
� 1. All of the following conditions must be present for seed germination:
a. Temperature
b. Moisture
c. Oxygen
2. The seed starts absorbing water by imbibition. Water swells the seed coat and brings the dormant plant inside the seed back to life.
3. The testa (seed coat) cracks.
4. The ratticle emerges from the seed, and forms into the root.
5. The hypocotyl elongates, pushing the 2 cotyledons above ground. As the cotyledons are pushed above ground, the testa fall off.
6. The plant uses up energy stored in the endosperm as it produces leaves and extends its root structure. The cotyledons (photsynthetic in marijuana) photsynthesize as they emerge, and continue supplying the seedling with energy until they undergo abscision and fall off.
Once the true leaves are formed, photosynthesis becomes the primary energy source, and growth becomes much more rapid.
you can soak the seed for a bit before planting if you want to let the water get past the beans shell.
once water enters the seeds, it starts the process.
i usually just make a tiny pilot hole in my soil, not deep at all and push the seed in (without germinating first) just until it lays even with the top of the soil, then i cover it with a light layer of soil and use a spray bottle to keep soil moist till it hatches.
you want the taproot to face upwards, becuase the seed unfolds and grows. if put the seed in the ground the wrong way, thats ok, it has the energy to orient itself, but only enough for once, so stop messing with it. maybe thats why it wont germinate?