Keimling

Keimling is a German term used in botany and horticulture to describe the early stage of a plant after seed germination. The word combines Keim, meaning germ or seed, with ling, a diminutive suffix, and in German usage it frequently refers to the young plant that emerges from a seed, as well as to edible sprouts in some contexts.

In biological terms, a seedling is the developmental stage that follows germination. It comprises the initial root system (the radical) and the shoot, which includes the plumul or plumule, cotyledons, and, later, the first true leaves. In monocotyledonous plants (monocots) the seedling features a coleoptile protecting the shoot, while in dicotyledonous plants (dicots) the seedling typically shows a hypocotyl and cotyledons that may function as food reserves or photosynthetic leaves. Seedlings rely on stored nutrients within the seed until they begin photosynthesis.

The seedling stage is a critical period for establishment. Environmental conditions such as moisture, temperature, oxygen availability, and light influence germination rates and subsequent growth. As the seedling develops true leaves and augments its root system, it transitions toward vegetative growth and, eventually, flowering in its mature phase.

Applications and relevance vary by context. In horticulture and agriculture, seedling production is essential for transplanting healthy young plants into fields or containers. In ecological studies, seedling survival is a key metric for seed dispersal success and habitat quality. Related terms include germination, germ, and sprout, reflecting different aspects or stages of the same early plant development process.