ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Lily seed germination types

Okay kiddo, let's talk about lily seed germination! Germination is when a seed starts to grow into a plant. And there are two types of germination for lilies: hypogeal and epigeal.

Hypogeal germination is when the seed grows underground. The seed sends down a root first and then shoots up a stem above ground. This is kind of like when you plant a seed in a garden and it starts to sprout roots and then you see a little green sprout poking out of the soil.

Epigeal germination is when the seed grows above ground. The seed sends up a stem first which will eventually grow leaves, and then the root grows down into the soil. This is kind of like when you plant a bean seed in a cup and watch it grow into a little plant with leaves that reach for the sun.

So those are the two types of germination for lilies - hypogeal and epigeal. They're just different ways that the seed starts to grow into a plant. Pretty cool, huh?