Period Of Cold Before Germination

Question

Why do some plants need a period of cold before germination? Is it simply because they need time to recuperate for the next growing season? Also, will beans such as Lima or Kidney need this?

Answer 1

Mature plants and bulbs typically need a cold period to rest, as you said. Seeds, on the other hand, use it as a survival trait. In order to prevent the seed from germinating before winter comes, it is dormant before it goes through a cold period. Going through this cold period tells the seed that it is safe to germinate now that winter has passed.

No, beans do not need this cold period.