A seed packet is more than just a pretty envelope.
It’s a miniature biography that reveals all a gardener needs to know to successfully cultivate the seeds it contains.
And while companies vary in quality and marketing, they share the obligation to present the consumer with an accurate picture of plant characteristics.
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So, whether a package of tomato seeds bears a realistic glossy photo or a simple drawing really doesn’t matter. It’s the printed info that we need to understand, to make a purchase decision.
How to Read Seed PacketsIf your ADD kicks in at the mention of fine print, I feel your pain. However, knowing the details is the key to garden success, so let’s unjumble the jargon!
The following categories represent the plant facts found on seed packages. Once you’re familiar with them, you can shop like a pro.
Plant Photo or IllustrationMost, but not all packages sport an enticing picture of the plant at maturity.
This is great for learning things like what various herbs look like, how big squash and melons should be before harvesting, and the shapes and colors of flowers.
Plant NameThe complete name of the plant appears prominently on the package, and includes the common name, cultivar, and Latin name – as in “Zinnia, Giant Cactus (Zinnia elegans).”
The Latin name is particularly useful in comparing plants, as common names often vary, and there are usually many cultivars of a given species.
Plant DescriptionPlants are generally described in terms of attributes like color, dimensions, pollinators attracted, types of blossoms, harvest produced, bedding uses, and a myriad of
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