Understanding Seed Quality & Certification
What You’ll Learn
Check the germination percentage and expiry date on the seed packet before you buy — every time.
Certified seed costs more upfront, but its reliable performance more than covers the price difference.
Store unused seeds in airtight containers in a cool, dry place to protect viability for the next season.
Reading the Seed Label
Every certified seed packet carries key quality figures. Germination rate tells you what percentage of seeds should emerge under good conditions — aim for 85% or higher. Purity percentage tells you how free the seed is from weed seeds, other crop seeds, and inert matter. Both numbers matter for what you can expect in the field.
Why Certification Matters
Certified seed has been through field inspection during production and laboratory testing after harvest. That process confirms genetic purity, high germination, and freedom from seed-borne diseases. Certified seed costs more than informal or saved alternatives, but the reliable performance it delivers typically returns far more than the price difference.
Proper Seed Storage
Seeds are living — heat and humidity shorten their lives. Keep unopened packets and any leftover seed in airtight containers in the coolest, driest spot you have. Always check the expiry date before planting. Seed past its best germinates poorly and costs you an entire season of potential production — not a small thing.