Fast-growing plants make appropriate subjects for hands-on science projects that focus on how environmental factors and ecology affect plant growth. Quicker germination and rapid growth can make a study more interesting, provide results sooner and lessen the chances of disease development in the study plants.
Common sunflowers germinate in 10 to 14 days in a moist, well-drained potting medium. Short varieties, such as the fuzzy-petaled Teddy Bear, produce seedlings that can be grown in a sunny window. The morning glory cultivar Early Call and most marigolds germinate in a week and grow to maturity in three months.
Beans, radishes, mustard greens, cress and melons all germinate in about five to six days. Beans and melons produce thick-stemmed seedlings that are easy to handle and transplant. Radish, mustard greens, and cress will readily germinate on a damp towel in hours or a few days, given the variety.
