Growing plants from seeds is a rewarding experience and an economical way to acquire an abundance of plants. However, if you only focus on the front of the packet while shopping, you might overlook crucial information. The fine print on seed packets can guide you in determining if a particular variety is suitable for your garden, ultimately saving you money on seeds that may not be useful. Additionally, the packet offers essential planting guidance, such as the ideal time of year to sow the seeds and the spacing required between each plant.
Although seed packets vary across different companies, you’ll generally find the most crucial information on the front, such as the plant type, specific variety or cultivar, and a photo or illustration. The packet often displays the seed company’s name, packet weight, and price, along with notable labels like “organic” or “heirloom.” Organic seeds are produced without harmful pesticides or fertilizers, while heirlooms are varieties passed down through generations without crossbreeding.
There might be a brief description of the plant, highlighting interesting features or essential information, such as its maturation time. Continuing to read will provide more details about what to expect if you cultivate the plant, including its height and whether it’s an annual or perennial. Annuals last for one season, while perennials survive for several. Most information on a seed packet pertains to the planting process, detailing how and when to sow the seeds.
Details to look for on every seed packet
While you can choose to ignore directions on seed packets, they provide a great way to ensure your seeds have the best chance of success. Initially, check for the recommended time of year to sow the seeds and if they should be sown outdoors, indoors, or both. Sometimes, a map and chart are included, showing when to plant outdoors based on your USDA hardiness zone, or you might find references to frost dates, such as “four weeks before last frost.” You can locate your USDA hardiness zone and the expected last frost date for your area online. Often, the packet will also specify the optimal soil temperature for seed growth.
Next, the packet will guide you on the depth for sowing seeds and the spacing between them. If thinning seedlings is recommended, the packet will indicate the required spacing with a label like “thin to 8 inches.” It usually mentions the sunlight and water requirements; “full sun” generally implies six or more hours of sun daily.
The seed packet will also inform you about the germination time (or sprouting period) and the germination rate (percentage of seeds expected to sprout). There will be a “packed for” or “sell by” date. The “packed for” date should reflect the current year, and the “sell by” date indicates when the listed germination rate is no longer assured. Planting older seeds might result in fewer seedlings than when using fresh seeds.
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