True or false: Dormant weed seeds are alive and viable.

True or false: Dormant weed seeds are alive and viable.

• A. False
• B. True
• C. Only viable when in moisture
• D. They cannot be viable

Answer: (B)

Dormant seeds are alive but not actively growing; viability means the seed can germinate if conditions are right. While dormant, metabolism is paused but the seed hasn’t died, so it can resume growth when cues like moisture and suitable temperature appear. That’s why weed seeds can persist in the soil for months or years and still sprout later. Therefore, the statement is true: they are alive and viable. Dead seeds won’t germinate no matter what, and viability isn’t dictated only by moisture—seeds can stay viable in dry soil and germinate when conditions improve.

Dormant seeds are alive but not actively growing; viability means the seed can germinate if conditions are right. While dormant, metabolism is paused but the seed hasn’t died, so it can resume growth when cues like moisture and suitable temperature appear. That’s why weed seeds can persist in the soil for months or years and still sprout later. Therefore, the statement is true: they are alive and viable. Dead seeds won’t germinate no matter what, and viability isn’t dictated only by moisture—seeds can stay viable in dry soil and germinate when conditions improve.