The uptake of water by a dry seed. This process happens naturally and passively, as long as the seed is provided with the water to begin the process. In other words, if the soil does not stay moist (not soggy), the seed won’t start the imbibition process, and it will not germinate. The process of imbibition is required to cause the seed to swell, release enzymes and break its dormancy. All of this essentially wakes the seed up and tells it to start the germination process.
