How do conifer seedlings begin growing after germination?

After a conifer seed absorbs water, the germination process begins when the seedling root breaks through the seed coat and grows downward into the soil.1

Following this, the stem located below the cotyledons elongates, lifting the cotyledons above the ground. Once exposed, these cotyledons begin to photosynthesize, providing the energy necessary for the early growth of the shoots. The emerging seedling shoot is typically covered in needle-shaped juvenile leaves until the plant eventually develops its adult foliage.1

While the seedling is establishing itself, it relies on food reserves stored primarily in the female gametophyte to support its early development until it becomes nutritionally self-supporting.12