växtstadium

Växtstadium is a term used in botany and agriculture to denote a defined phase of a plant's development. Each växtstadium is characterized by a recognizable combination of morphological features, such as germination, leaf emergence, stem growth, flowering, fruit set, or seed maturation. Describing plants by their växtstadium allows researchers and farmers to communicate about the plant's condition at a specific time and to compare growth under different conditions.

In practice, växtstadium informs decisions on irrigation, fertilization, pruning, and pest or disease control, and it helps coordinate harvest planning. It also standardizes the recording of experimental results and crop management plans.

A widely used framework for specifying växtstadium is the BBCH-scale, an international standard that assigns two-digit codes to principal growth stages and their sub-stages. The scale covers stages from germination and leaf development through stem growth, inflorescence formation, flowering, fruit development, ripening, and senescence. While the exact sub-stages vary by species, the general progression reflects predictable developmental patterns across crops.

In Swedish practice, växtstadium is a common reference point in agricultural extension, crop protection advisories, and research documentation, enabling consistent timing of interventions and comparisons across varieties and environments.