How to Read a Seed Packet
Seed packets on the surface are very self-explanatory. When you pick up a packet, you'll be able to identify the plant immediately! When you flip it over and do some more scanning, you'll be able to learn all kinds of valuable information about planting instructions, care tips, growing time and more. Ferry-Morse seed packets contain all the information you need grow your plants, from sowing to harvesting. Hang on to your seed packets even after they're sown so you can quickly refer back for growing and harvesting information throughout the season.
This is the information you'll find on your Ferry-Morse seed packets and how to use it.
Front
1. Plant Image
This is probably the very first thing you'll notice and the quickest way for you to make a visual identification of what you're growing!
2. Plant Name
Most plant names will have two lines, the variety and sub-variety. For example, a Sunflower packet will say Sunflower on the first line, but depending on the specific breed or cultivar, the second line will specify what kind of Sunflower it is; Mammoth, Autumn Glory, Skyscraper, etc.
3. Key Features
Ferry-Morse seeds have special call-outs on the front of the packet to let you know a couple of the plant's key features and benefits! For example, these Bachelor Buttons make great, long lasting arrangements.
4. Plant Type
This is where you'll quickly be able to find out what kind of plant you're picking- vegetables or herbs, and for flowers, annuals or perennials.
Most Ferry-Morse seed packets are filled by weight to be the most accurate and consistent. Sow Easy coated seeds, however, have listed seed counts because each one has a distinguishable, natural seed coating.
Back
1. Description
Here's a quick, detailed description to tell you more about the plant's appearance and what kind of benefits and features you can expect from it.
2. Planting Instructions
This section is key. It will outline when, where and how to sow the seeds in a quick 2-3 sentences.
3. Suggestions
Here are detailed suggestions about how to best grow and utilize your plant.
4. Specifications
This is where you'll find key planting and growing information including days to germination, plant height, and sun requirements all in one place.
5. Calendar & Map
Locate yourself on the map and use the color guide to determine the best time to sow for your specific location and specific plant variety.
Note: See multiple planting times for your given growing zone? That's because some plant varieties can be planted at multiple times of year. For instance, Broccoli can be sown in the Fall and it will come up in the following Spring or you can sow it in the Spring and it will come up in the forthcoming Fall. This is also common among bulb flowers and some perennials.
6. Package & Sell By Date
To guarantee the best freshness, Ferry-Morse only sells seeds which have been cultivated specifically for the current growing season. Fresher seeds mean better germination rates!
Heirloom & Organic Seeds
1. Organic
100% certified Organic seeds are harvested from plants grown without synthetic chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and fungicides. They harbor no residues from these chemicals. Organically grown seed produces hearty, robust plants already adapted to Organic growing conditions. Look for the USDA Organic icon to determine which seeds have been certified.
2. Heirloom
Heirloom varieties are open-pollinated seeds that have been saved from generation to generation. Usually varieties referred to as heirloom have been around for more than 50 years and offer a wonderful history in the names and flavors that continually provide dependable quality season after season. They are tried and true and coveted for their quality and flavor. The seed from heirloom plants can also be saved at the end of the season to be used again the next year.
Get Your Cool Season Garden Started
By the time you've harvested your pumpkins and made some delicious dishes, it may be time to start up your indoor gardening plans to help you maintain a flow of fresh vegetables and herbs throughout the colder months.
INDOOR GARDENING
Use this suite of supplies to create an indoor oasis for your plants, from indoor seed starting to grow lights and hydroponics.
CONTAINER FRIENDLY HERBS
These herbs will grow happily indoors in containers, making them an extra easy and useful addition to your kitchen.
PUMPKIN SEEDS
Want to grow your own pumpkin patch from scratch next season? Large and small, grow pumpkins from seed to harvest.
20 comments
I’m looking at your spacing info but nothing matches in the pictures or description what it says on the packet, can you help?
These are Harvester Bush Beans
SPACING 20 in. / 4 in.
Hi Natalie! If seeds need stratification, the seed packet will indicate as such.
Awaiting arrival of all my seeds.
Do your seeds need stratification? It doesn’t say on the packets.
How long after the best by date are the seeds viable?