How Do I Read A Seed Packet?

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. A seed packet has a wealth of information about the variety and is your best source for knowing what to grow.

Front of Seed Packet

1. Fill Weight

Ferry-Morse seed packets are filled by weight in order to be accurate and consistent. 

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. 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!

4. Plant Type 

This is where you'll quickly be able to find out what kind of plant you're selecting - vegetables or herbs, and for flowers, annuals or perennials. Organic is also called out in this area.

5. Call-Outs

In this area you’ll find any special identifiers for the seed type. All Ferry-Morse seeds are 100% Non-GMO and you’ll often see this call-out in this location. It is also the space where we identify Organic varieties, Heirloom varieties, and plants that are “Loved by Pollinators” for their pollen, nectar or habitat.

6. Days to Harvest/Bloom

This number represents the days from sowing a seed or transplanting into the ground until you have a vegetable/herb harvest or blooming flowers. This number is the earliest counted day you should expect your plant to reach maturity. The typical range is stated on the back of the packet as well. This information is important for selecting plants that will grow best in your area. For instance, if you live in the North with a short growing season, you’re best off choosing a variety with less days to maturity. 

Back of Seed Packet

7. Description

Here's a brief description to tell you more about the plant's appearance and what kind of benefits and features you can expect from it.

8. Care & Maintenance

This section is where you'll find key planting and growing information all in one place including the typical days to germination, plant height, and sun requirements.

9. Planting Instructions

Here are detailed suggestions about how to best grow and utilize your plant.

10. Calendar & Map 

Locate yourself on the map and use the color guide to determine the best time to direct sow or transplant outdoors for your specific location and specific plant variety.