In order not to make a mistake when choosing seeds and not to be disappointed with a meager and poor-quality crop, it is better to purchase planting material in large retail outlets. Do not listen to the seller praising the products. It is recommended that you carefully consider the packaging. Manufacturers cherishing their name place on it all the information about raw materials. In the article we will talk about what you should pay attention to when buying.
Names of culture and variety, hybrid designation
These data are indicated in capital letters and must comply with the State Register. On the bag there is a brief description of the conditions and terms of growing the crop. Agricultural technology should be in the text version and in the form of a diagram.
Full address and telephone number of the manufacturer
Find manufacturer information. Responsible honest companies have nothing to hide, therefore, in addition to the name, they also indicate their contact details: address, phone, email and, if the package size allows, social networks.
Lot number on seed packaging
For each batch available in retail, a Quality Certificate is issued.
If there are complaints about the quality of planting material, then it is by number that it is easier to track the batch.
In addition, if you need to purchase seeds, you can easily get identical ones by number.
Shelf life or shelf life
See the month and year of packing and expiration date. Keep in mind that seeds in a single package have an expiration date of 1 year, and in a double - 2 years. The countdown is from the indicated packaging date.
The shelf life does not depend on the bag in which white or colored seeds are packed. But if the bag is opened, then it is impossible to guarantee the quality of the grains.
Pay attention to how the deadline is set. It must be stamped, not printed.
GOST number
"White" seeds, that is, packed by official producers, and not by one-day firms, pass control for compliance with GOST or TU. The presence of such a designation indicates certain sowing characteristics.
Number of seeds per pack
A manufacturer respecting gardeners and himself does not indicate the weight in grams, but the number of grains in the package. It’s easier to calculate how many packages are needed.
Germination percentage
No matter how hard the manufacturer tries, it does not guarantee 100% germination. A good indicator is considered to be 80 - 85%. If more is written, it is most likely just an advertising ploy.
Grade description
When choosing, rely on the description of the characteristics of the variety indicated on the bag. The characteristic contains information about both advantages and features. If it is a vegetable crop, see recommendations for use.
Seed Harvest Year
It is not recommended to purchase seeds if the package does not indicate the year of harvest. No one guarantees that before packing the grain did not lie in the warehouse.
In most crops, with the exception of pumpkin crops, germination is higher in young seeds.
Buying poor-quality planting material is not just a waste of money. This is unsuccessful work in the summer and lack of harvest. Therefore, take the time to carefully analyze the information on the package. It should contain information about the manufacturer, about the variety (or hybrid), lot number, expiration date and seed yield, number of grains and germination percentage. If all the data is available, then the manufacturer is responsible for his products and from this raw material you will get a rich harvest.
