Planting of the Brassica Rapa

First, an empty film canister was filled three quarters with dirt, than throughly watered down until the hole in the bottom which held a peice of material to release moisture, was dripping. Than the Brassica Rapa seeds were placed in it. Three were used to have a higher chance of at least one taking root and growing. More dirt was added on top, watered down and than pressed lightly. The plant seeds were than set on a lab table to be allowed time to grow.

Day 1 of Observations

Only the roots of one of the seeds had taken root in the soil. Although the roots could not have been highly developed, there was at least a primary root taking hold in the soil. For the external portions of the plant, the shoot had begun to grow. Although only a little bit of the plant was peaking through the soil, only a few millimeters high. The soil was still damp from when it was planted. There was nothing else much of interest, besides the fact that the plant had taken firm root in the soil and was growing seemingly healthy thus far.

Day 2 of Observations

Still only one of the seeds has grown into a plant, which leads to the conclusion that the other two seeds will not germinate. Though the one that has grown is quite healthy and growing steadily. In size it has already grown, nearing the centimeter high mark. The shoot system is developing strongly, ground tissue already starting to be visible. The soil in the film canister is still slightly damn though the plant seems to be absorbing more of it.

Day 3 of Observations (Day 5 of Plant Life)

The Brassica rapa plant has once again grown, hopefully setting down secondary roots at this point. The shoot system is clearly developing now and the ground tissues are clearly visible. Already tiny leaves are beginning to bud from the plant. Two on each side of it. The tiny cotyledon seem healthy. They have a smooth texture and are around eight millimeters long and at least one - two millimeters thick. The plant itself has reached the one centimeter mark in length and is looking good with clear vital signs.

Day 4 of Observations (Day 6 of Plant Life)

The plant is looking very green and healthy and still growing at a seemingly increased rate. Everyday bringing more noticeable changes, especially more noticeable increases in size. The auxillary buds have grown into a more mature leaf, budding out and having what appears to be a dividing line between them. The plant itself has grown to a height of 1.5 centimeters and has a width span, this is including the leaves, of 1.5 centimeters again.

Day 5 of Observations (Day 7 of plant life)

The first thing that an observer would notice is that the Brassica rapa is growing more auxiliary buds at an increasing rate once again. The bud is a darker shade of green than the rest of the plant and seems to be healthy. The two leaves that had already been growing have a more definite shape having ridges on their sides as well now. The one leaf, on the side the bud is growing, seems to be growing into a full blade, or at least have the potential to do so. The petiole's leading up to the leaf blades are also thick and healthy.

Day 6 of Observations (Day 8 of Plant Life)

The shoot tip, also referred to as the terminal bud has become much more visible. As well two new sets of leaves have grown right below the older pair which are now at the top of the plant. The elder leaves have grown much more ragged in their shape as well as grown larger. The plant itself has grown to 3.2 centimeters in height. The plant itself is very lush and healthy.

Day 7 of Observations (Day 13 of Plant Life)

The Brassica rapa grew astonishingly fast over the weekend! Quite tall it has grown several more leaves and buds, but the biggest feat of them all is that it has started to grow flowers! These flowers are just buds right now, they yellow of their leaves just visible through the leaves that cover them. The epidermis of the plant has grown thicker it seems and is a very bright shade of green. It is of course expected also, that tertiary roots have taken root at this time. When looking between the leaves and petioles you can see little bumps called nodes in the crevices between leaf and epidermis.

Day 8 of Observations (Day 14 of Plant Life)

The plant is in perfect health and almost in full bloom and ready to be pollinated, which was done. The buds of the flowers have grown into full yellow flowers with tiny petals that look similar to a very, very minuscule sunflower. The growth rate of the plant has slowed down quite a bit though it is still slightly taller, and the leaves seems slightly fuller with just a few fresh buds scattered around the stalk.

Day 9 of Observations (Day 15 of Plant Life)

The plant was once again pollinated, though its condition has not yet changed much from the previous observation. The plant is now fully in bloom, and at the peak of its first growth cycle. Already the older leaves have started to wither a slight bit, having a slight brown tinge around the edge. Besides that the rest of the plant, especially the epidermis, is very green and healthy as well as at its full height.

Day 10 of Observations (Day 16 of Plant Life)

The plant had reached the cusp of its growth and now fully matured is going through the cycles of death and regeneration. Some of the flowers, which had been fully grown have already withered, with their yellow leaves turning to a dusty shade of brown. The Brassica rapa is at its full height, and this particular plant reached 18 centimeters in height.