Learn From the Seed Packet

Those tiny seed packets have a lot of information that will help you grow successfully

There are many reasons to grow flowers and edibles from seed. You can save money, try many new plants at minimal cost, and find a much greater variety to things to grow versus purchasing bedding plants at the garden center. Before you select seeds, it is critical that you first know your growing zone, or first and last typical frost dates. That will guide you when deciphering the information and instructions on the seed packet, as well as help you select seed appropriate for your growing zone.

Photo

The first thing you will probably notice on the seed packet is a picture of the mature plant. This of course will let you know what to expect, especially if you are not familiar with the specific plant or variety.

Description

The description will tell you if the plant is an annual, perennial or biennial and usually the growth habit, whether mounding, vining or creeping for example. The description may also tell you if the plant is suitable to grow in containers as well as anything that may be unique to the plant. Vegetable descriptions usually include color and flavor information.

Date

Every seed packet should give you some idea of how fresh the seed is. You may see a packaged on date, or a sell by date, or a best by date, or even a packed for growing year date. Ideally we like to purchase seed packed in the year we plant since old seed germinates poorly. However if properly stored, seeds can remain viable for a long time, unfortunately we don’t know how the supplier stored the seed. Most reputable seed suppliers will make sure you are satisfied by selling you viable seed.

Zone

The seed packet will indicate the ideal growing zones for the plant, in particular if the seed is for a perennial or biennial.

Planting Directions

To ensure success, the seed packet will clearly indicate how to plant your seed. How deep, how far apart, how to water, as well as any special steps to aide or speed the germination. How many seeds to plant in a given space should be indicated as well as how to thin extra seedlings. When to plant the seed as well as whether they can be started indoors will be included in the planting directions.

Some seedlings do not transplant well and you may be advised to plant directly in the garden. Some edibles are best grown and harvested in a short cool season, spring or fall. Some warm season vegetable seeds will not germinate at all if you plant them in cool soil. So follow such when to plant instructions carefully.

How long until…

Germination: how long will it take to see sprouts

Maturity: how long until the plant is full grown

Harvest: how long until I will start enjoying fruit or vegetable

Bloom: how long until the plant starts blooming and for what period will blooms continue

Size

How tall and how wide will the plant get. Sometimes you will see information about how best to control size if needed.

Light

How much sun or shade the plant requires. This is very important for the blooming and fruiting, which typically requires at least 6 or more hours of sun each day. Some foliage plants are more tolerant of a wide range and the seed packet should give you appropriate guidance for the best results.

Tips from the Gardener

If you are new to seeding, here are a couple of tips. First, not all seeds germinate. The seeding rate on the packet may seem excessive but you sure don’t want to plant one seed a foot apart and then find that only half of them sprouted. Better to over seed and bit and thin down the extras. You will be tempted to lift out the extras and move them, but you may prevent any of them from surviving because the frail roots have been disturbed. Best to just snip one or two from each cluster with a scissors.

Be sure to start your seeds in good quality, loose soil, whether that be indoors or direct your garden or outdoor container. Although we are constantly amazed at the tenacity of plants, your young fragile seedlings will appreciate being able to put their energy toward a strong plant and root system rather than struggling to push through tough soil and search in vain for nutrients.

It is more and more common to find indication of the type of seed in the packet. They may be organic, or non-GMO or open pollinated. Experienced gardeners do often have a preference, especially for open pollinated or heirloom edibles which offer superior and unique flavors. Be sure and store your unused seed in a dry, cool, dark space to keep the seed fresh and viable for two or three years.