Is there a difference in Seed?

Have you ever noticed along the back edge of a seed packet there is a sell by or packed for date? How about a lot number? What do these mean?

The sell by or packaged for date is very much like the freshness date that is found on food items. In the case of seeds it does not mean that they will “go bad.” As long as seeds are in a cool, dry place out of direct light they can be kept for another year or two. Seeds that are past the package date will have a lower germination rate than fresh seeds. If you have purchased top quality seeds to begin with that lower percentage will be slight.

The lot number is a reference similar to a model number on an appliance. Include this number if you ever need to contact a seed company so that they can address any issue you may be encountering.

Obviously, the size or weight of a package of seed will affect the price. Be advised, the germination on “cheap” seed may not be as high as it is in a name brand at a higher price. However, USDA does require that seeds are tested for purity and germination every year. Therefore, if you do purchase a 10 cent package of seed they are perfectly fine to plant.