Match to Growing Conditions
Consider your soil, climate, elevation and season. A variety that performs well in one growing environment may not suit another.
Choosing Seed
Matching variety to your growing conditions, market and purpose.
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Knowledge Center
Understanding Seed, From Purchase to Planting
Good seed can still under-perform if it's chosen, stored or handled the wrong way. Quality is protected long before a seed reaches the soil — in how it's selected, read, stored and prepared for sowing.
This guide walks through the fundamentals: choosing the right seed, understanding what's on the packet, storing it correctly, and giving it the best start at germination.
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Four Fundamentals of Seed Knowledge
Jump to any section, or read through for the full picture.
01 — Getting Started
Choosing the Right Seed
The right choice starts before you ever open the packet.
Match to Market & Purpose
Think about who will use the harvest and how. Fresh market, processing and home consumption often favor different characteristics.
Check Source & Quality
Buy from a trusted supplier who can speak to the seed's origin, handling and current availability before you commit.
02 — Before You Buy
Reading a Seed Packet
A seed packet carries more than a crop name. Knowing what to check helps you buy with confidence and keep track of what you've planted.
- Variety name — confirms exactly which variety you're buying, not just the crop.
- Batch or lot number — useful for tracing the seed back if you ever have a question about it.
- Packing or production date — an indicator of how fresh the seed is likely to be.
- Net weight or seed count — helps you plan how much area the packet will realistically cover.
- Supplier details — who to contact if you need further product information.
Not sure how to read a specific packet? Our team is happy to walk you through it.
03 — After You Buy
Seed Storage & Handling
Most quality loss between purchase and sowing comes down to storage conditions.
Keep It Cool
Heat speeds up the loss of seed viability. Store seed somewhere cool and out of direct sunlight.
Keep It Dry
Moisture is the biggest threat to stored seed. Choose a dry location away from damp walls or floors.
Keep It Sealed
Reseal packets tightly after opening, or transfer unused seed to an airtight container.
Keep It Labeled
Always keep seed in, or clearly labeled with, its original packet details — especially if transferred to another container.
04 — At Sowing Time
Germination Basics
Even good seed needs the right conditions to germinate well. A few basics make a noticeable difference in how evenly and reliably seeds come up.
Soil Temperature
Each crop has a temperature range where germination is fastest and most even.
Consistent Moisture
Soil that's evenly moist, not waterlogged or dry, supports steady seed emergence.
Sowing Depth
Sow at the depth suited to the seed size — too deep or too shallow can both slow emergence.
Patience & Timing
Germination windows vary by crop. Give seed the full expected window before assuming it hasn't worked.
FAQ
Seed Knowledge FAQs
It varies by crop and by how the seed has been stored. Cool, dry, sealed storage extends usable life; heat and moisture shorten it. If in doubt, check with our team about a specific batch.
Often yes, provided it was stored correctly. If germination seems uncertain, sow a small test batch first before committing a full planting to it.
Uneven germination usually traces back to temperature, moisture, sowing depth or seed age. Reviewing these basics is a good first step before assuming a seed quality issue.
A cool, dry, dark spot away from direct sunlight and damp walls works well — a sealed container in a store room is often a better choice than a shelf in a warm kitchen.
Yes. Our team can talk through your growing conditions and goals to help you compare options from our current product portfolio.
Ready to choose your seed?
Explore Crop Guides Next.
Now that you know what to look for, browse our crop-by-crop guides to find growing guidance for the variety you have in mind.
