The life cycle of a plant has 6 stages: 1) a seed is buried in soil, 2) water causes the seed to sprout roots and a stem, 3) the root grows deeper while the stem emerges from the soil aided by food from the seed and water, 4) leaves begin to grow on the stem, 5) the stem continues growing and produces fruit or flowers, 6) the mature plant bears seeds, flowers, or fruit that can be eaten, planted, or cut.