1. Breaking dormancy - embryo emits gibberellin hormone, triggers production of digestive enzymes
2. Early root and emergence - root tip protected by cap of dead cells, zone of division undergoes vigorous mitosis, zone of elongation responsible for lengthwise growth
3. Primary meristems - give rise to differentiated tissues like phloem and xylem, some tissues remain undifferentiated, forming cambium and pericycle layers
4. Leaf bud and leaf growth - leaf growth originates from side of meristem, growing upward and enlarging