
The “Inside Scoop” on seed and plant buying! #seedfacts
How do I know if the seed I’m ordering is fresh?
Look at the seed package date and if it lists a “Packed for” date, you’ll know exactly which garden season it was packed for. If you have not yet ordered, ask that question of customer service. All reputable seed retailers will understand what you are asking.
How do I know if a company tests its seed for diseases or weeds?
Seed breeders and producers are obligated by law to send clean seed to seed companies to ensure quality according to industry and government standards.
How can I determine quality just by a website?
For the company, look for customer reviews and at the seed packets. A quality and reputable company will abide by regulations when labeling their seed packets. Pay attention to variety names. It if just says “red petunia” you have to wonder what you are getting.
For the seed, look at germination rate, vigor, purity, and freshness.
What is germination?
The beginning of growth. Most seeds germination response occurs in response to warmth and water. There are standards for each crop you buy and seed offered by reputable dealers will fall into that range. Some seed companies do label their seed packets with a germination percentage range.
How can I get help with what I purchased?
Almost all retailers will have a very accessible customer service phone number, email, or online chat function. In the peak season, like now, there may be a delay but please be patient and you’ll get a response.
Why haven’t my seeds shipped yet?
There are three primary causes of backorders:
1. Seed (usually new varieties) hasn’t been shipped from the breeder. In the case of a new variety, it wouldn’t even be listed on the retailer’s website yet.
2. An unusually high demand, like what happened in 2020.
3.Bulk seed is at the seed company but still has to be prepared. Preparation means accepting bulk seed at the dock, sending it to the packaging department, awaiting any additional germination and quality testing, repackaging the seed, putting it in inventory, updating the website, begin accepting orders.
2 comments. Leave new
Why won’t my phlox seed germinate?
Thank you for your question – Please check these links from two of our NGB members that might help – Johnny’s Selected Seeds – https://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/flowers/phlox/phlox-key-growing-information.
Park Seeds – html#:~:text=Phlox%20%2D%20Key%20Growing%20Information,Darkness%20is%20required%20for%20germination.https://parkseed.com/bees-bouquet-hardy-phlox-seeds/p/51839-PK-P1/