Seed tag

Buy seed and you will notice a seed germination percentage on the bag. This number is a percentage of 100 in other words if the germination test is 85% this means 85 of 100 seeds should sprout.

This tag is for you the consumer to find information. You the buyer should learn to read and understand the tag. This article was inspired by my searching for some quality seed. The seed that was found was two years old and still on the shelf. The germination stated on that tag was for 85%. It is now 2 years old.

At 90% pure seed with 85% germination we have only 76.5% pure live seed two years ago. Now considering moisture, storage temperature, handling etc. the germination could be---- who knows.

Now you take it home and plant it and the results are failure. Why? The ground was ready. You had applied lime and fertilizer according to soil test. You didn't plant it too deep. You scratch your head and ask your garden friends. Most never mention the seed might have been bad.

Now let's talk about the % weed seed this is where often we bring problems home. We want this number at zero or none.

Before you purchase the next seed bag look at the tag and pay attention to germination and test date. The result will be good germination and no old seed. That hard work you do while planting will be rewarded.