Growthstage

Growth stage, sometimes written growth-stage, is a term used across disciplines to denote a phase in the development of a living organism, a crop, or a business during which characteristic growth processes occur. While the specifics vary by field, the concept centers on identifying a period when growth-related changes are most pronounced and management actions or decisions are timed accordingly.

In plants and crops, growth stages describe transitions such as germination, juvenile or vegetative growth, reproductive development, flowering, fruiting, and maturation. Standard scales like the BBCH and Feekes provide codified descriptions to harmonize communication among farmers, researchers, and extension services. Knowledge of the growth stage guides practices including irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and harvest planning. Environmental factors and cultivar traits influence the duration of stages.

In business and technology, growth stage refers to the phase of a company’s lifecycle, from early-stage or seed/startup through growth and expansion to maturity. Investors and managers use growth-stage categories to assess risk, strategy, and capital needs, with corresponding funding rounds (e.g., seed, Series A, Series B, growth equity) and performance metrics such as revenue growth, customer acquisition, and unit economics.

Across contexts, the term emphasizes timing and developmental status, providing a framework for decision-making and measurement.