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Growing bedding plants from seed requires that you keep your eye on the moisture and light levels but most importantly that you start with quality seeds. One large commercial seed supplier says, “High quality seeds are the center of modern agriculture…”

So, some things you need to look for, when buying seed packets:

SEED PACKET INFORMATION

A seed packet should have either weight or number of seeds on the packet; field crop seeds will discuss percentage of weed seed and detritus, how long it will take to get the first harvest from time of sowing, how long before the last average frost date to sow, and any particular requirements for that species to germinate. Vegetable seed packets should state a germination rate (taken soon after the seeds were harvested) and date of harvest.  The seed packet should have a short discussion on growth characteristics of that particular variety. If the description, for instance, states “beets, purple, harvest all year” and says nothing about disease resistance, water needs, fruit size, plant height, when to plant,  days to picking you might want to go somewhere else.

SEED GERMINATION

Almost all vegetable seeds will germinate at 75 F but some, like spinach, will have reduced percentage germination.  Some seeds (usually flowers) are very intolerant of exposure to light while germinating and some very much NEED that light to germinate.  Seeds, as a rule, do need a fairly even moisture level to germinate.  Some seeds, like parsley, will germinate faster if soaked for up to 24 hours before sowing. Vegetables germinate best in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight), while flower seeds are much less straight forward; some species can grow in total shade while some flourish in hot, dry desert-like soil. To test germination rate on old seeds, wet a paper towel, put in a plastic bag (but do not exclude all the air), and put in a warm spot.  You want to check germination – if you get mold that’s fine!

SEED STORAGE/AGE in relation to GERMINATION

Seeds stored in low humidity and low temperature will continue to germinate fairly well given their inherent storage life, which depends on the species.  Storage conditions should be less than 100 units; units are calculated by adding temperature and relative humidity.  It is difficult to control how well the seed was stored before you get them, but seeds from a reputable seller should arrive at maximum germination.  Parsnip and salsify seed have a shelf life of about 6 months; parsley and onion are good for twelve. Pepper, corn, okra and leek are good for two. Tomato seed, Swiss chard, and squash can germinate after four years of storage at < 100 units. Lettuce is rumored to go six years but my storage conditions must shorten this shelf life for me.

A NOTE ON SPECIALTY SEEDS

Organic vs not-organic seed depends on your preferences in this area.  The selection of organic seed varieties is more limited than non-organic.  The real benefit might be in supporting an organic farmer, rather than in reducing your actual intake of pesticides.

Beans and corn seed are sometimes sold as “treated,” and the treatment applied allows for planting seeds in cooler soil than normal.  The treatment retards diseases that flourish in cooler soil.

See: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/seed-and-seed-quality

https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/1999/4-2-1999/veggielife.html