How To Read A Seed Tag

Purchasing grass seed can be a stressful process. But knowing how to read a seed tag or label can remove some of the stress and anxiety during the purchasing process. Once you know the fundamentals, you will be great shape. In this article we will discuss the definitions of kind/variety, lots, purity, germination percentage, and origin. Along with crop, inert, weed percentage, and net weight.

Definitions:

Kind/Variety: The variety or species of the seeds, this can be the name of a specific seed mixture or a single variety name or species. Keep in mind that scientific or common names can be used. Always reference the scientific name because multiple species can have the same common name which can lead to confusion.

Lot: This is a series of letters or numbers used for testing the seed and for tracking purposes.

Net Weight: The overall weight, usually in pounds or ounces, that each bag or container contains.

Percent Pure Seed (Purity): A percentage of the seed that is the actually seed that is desired, the higher the number the higher the quality and desired seed.

Percent Inert Matter (Inert Percentage): The amount of material that is plant debris or other material that is not seed.

Percent of Crop (Crop Percentage): Other seeds that are not considered weed seeds. The higher percentage the lower the quality.

Percent of Weeds (Weed Percentage): The percentage of seeds that are considered weed seeds. The higher the percentage the lower the quality.

Percentage of Germination (Percent Germ): This is the percentage of seed that will successfully germinate and grow.

Test Date: The date at which the seed was tested for germination rate.  It does not expire after this date, however seed will lose some germination depending on factors such as the type of seed or how it is stored.  All states have different requirements for how often seed should be tested.

With all of this information you will be able to read and recognize the quality of the seed you are purchasing. This will help you to make an informed decision on what seed to buy. Arkansas Valley Seed prides itself on only carrying and supplying consumers with the highest quality of seed at the best prices.