40) Info on a seed package

In this tip:

• Introduction
• A)# Witloof (Chicory) seed, information and test
• B)# Leek
• C)# Germination test (1)
• D)# Germination test (2)

What info is on a seed package and how useful is that.

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Introduction

In the Dutch version of this tip, there is information about the information on Dutch seed package. It contains lot number, production year and “best before” date, or expiration date.

On the internet there is much info about seed package information “outside the Netherlands”. On that package there is often a “Packed for” year and a “Sell by” date.

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A)# Witloof (Chicory) seed, information and test.

A1) Four seed sachets

I bought these 4 packages of Chicory seeds in 3 different garden shops. I wrote 1,2,3 or 4 on the package.

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A2) Germination test

Seeds from each package have been used in 2 germination tests.

Germination test on moist toilet paper

• Germination test on moist toilet paper:
  • Put a sheet of toilet paper in a tray and spray water on.
  • (on the photo above there is a grey plate in the paper for a clearer view)
  • From each package, put 10 seeds in a group (2 short rows) on the paper.
  • You end up with 4 groups of seeds (the numbers are on the top edge of the tray).
  • Let the seeds germinate between 18 and 22 C (64 and 72 F).
  • Check how many seeds have germinated.

Seeds of group 1 and 2 show very little germination. At seeds of group 3 and 4, nine out of ten seeds have turned into plants.

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Germination test on moist garden soil

• Germination test on moist garden soil, in a tray;
  • Put sieved garden soil in a tray and spray water on.
  • Make sowing holes in the soil.
  • From each package, put 10 seeds in a group (2 short rows) in sowing  holes.
  • You end up with 4 groups of seeds (the numbers are on the top edge of the tray).
  • Cover the seeds with a thin layer of garden earth.
  • Let the seeds germinate between 18 and 22 C (64 and 72 F).
  • Check how many seeds have germinated.

At group 1 and 2 there is only one tiny Chicory plant. At group 3 and 4, there are 8 or 9 plants.

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A3) Conclusion:

• There is good and bad Chicory seed.
• Use the seeds from package nos 3 and/or 4.
• In a shop, note the expiration date and choose the seed with the exp date further into the future.

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B)# Leek

At leek, you can also sow “older” or “newer” seeds.

Two rows of leek plants grown from older or newer seeds;

• The leek seeds of the rear, full row had an expiration date of 2 years after the sowing date. This is called “newer”seeds”.
• The leek seeds of the front, thin row had an expiration time of  1 year after the sowing date. This is called “older seeds“.

The same 2 rows of leeks, a few weeks later. “Nieuwer zaad” = newer seed. “Ouder zaad” = older seed.

All plant leeks dug up and put in a bucket. At left a bucket full of plant leeks from the “new seeds”. At right a quarter bucket full of plant leeks from the “old seeds”.

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Conclusions

• Also at leek seeds, expiration data are not very reliable (or true).
• When you doubt about germination power, you can do a test. Lay seeds in a tray on moist toilet paper. Put a lid on. Check how many seeds germinate and turn into plants.

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C)# Germination test (1)

A germination test for seeds of Egg plant (Aubergine), Winter carrot, Onion and Summer carrot (2 brands). Seeds have been germinating for 6 days at about 20 C (68 F).

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D)# Germination test (2)

Three seed packages. Left to right: onions, spring onions, tomatoes.

See expiration dates of the same packages: onions, spring onions, tomatoes.

Germinating seeds on moist toilet paper: spring onions, onions, tomatoes.

All seeds germinate about equally well (equally badly); 4 to 6 plants grew from 10 seeds.

Info on packages: Seeds of both onion varieties have an expiration date of 2 years to go. The tomato seeds aren’t good anymore (no longer usable).

In real: The germination rate of the onion seeds is low (4 out of 10). The tomato seeds have a higher germination rate (6 out of 10). This is very different from the info on the package.

Recommendation: Buy new onion seeds every year. Use tomato seeds for 3 to 4 years after purchasing.