A healthy seedling should have

• A. Pale leaves and weak stems
• B. Dark green leaves and compact growth
• C. Large cotyledons only
• D. Red-tinted leaves

Answer: (B)

Healthy seedling vigor shows up as dark green leaves and compact, sturdy growth. Dark green foliage means strong chlorophyll content, which indicates the plant is photosynthesizing efficiently and has adequate nutrients, especially nitrogen. Compact growth means the stem is strong and the plant isn’t stretching toward the light, signaling a good balance between shoot and root development and adequate light and nutrients.

Pale leaves with weak stems point to deficiencies or stress, such as insufficient light, water or nutrients, and often reflect poor vigor. Having large cotyledons only suggests the seedling hasn’t transitioned to producing healthy true leaves yet, which isn’t a sign of a thriving, actively growing plant. Red-tinted leaves usually signal stress or nutrient imbalance, not a healthy seedling.

So, dark green leaves with compact growth are the clearest indicators of a healthy seedling.