Dud seeds

10 years ago

I'm pretty new to growing from seeds- this is my second year. So far I've tried growing a variety of perennials, and a couple of shrubs. I research the stratification requirements online, etc.

ive noticed that when I grow seeds I've collected myself, I get great germination. When I purchase seeds I've had mixed results... A few times great germination, but many times nothing. I'm talking 0%.

is this normal? Do you all experience the same thing, or am I doing something wrong?

thanks

Featured Answer

digdirt2

10 years ago

None of the seed sources you list would be considered ideal sources. Fine for experimentation or just to 'see what happens' but there are far better sources for reliable germination and production. Commercial seed vendors are subject to testing and germination regulations, inspections, storage rules and regs, etc. that private, personal, or even small individual operations and sources are not. Even in the commercial industry some sources are far better than others.

With low-demand, unusual or rare seeds your options may be limited and in those situations low germination is almost to be expected and a nice surprise when it doesn't happen.

Dave

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Comments (6)

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
10 years ago
No, that's absolutely not typical. I always buy my seed and have for more years than I can remember. I've grown bedding plants as a professional as well as a backyard hobbyist.

Though I have purchased seed from a variety of vendors over the years, I've always had very good germination rates. I expect 100% germination and experience very close to that.

I suggest that you evaluate your methodology certainly. Perhaps you should investigate your vendor sources, also.
mattp321 thanked rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
matthias_lang
10 years ago
I looked at some seeds at a Lowes store this year. The packages on one side of the outdoor (under shade cloth) display had clearly been wet. They were dry, but rippled and dimpled. The other side of the display was not water damaged. At first I was thinking that a driving rain had hit the one side. But then I realized that the water probably came from watering the bedding plants and hanging pots nearby.

So, yeah, problematic things can happen to seeds that are sold.

I do save seeds, but on the whole, I think the commercial sellers do better than me.
mattp321 thanked matthias_lang
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mattp321
Original Author
10 years ago
I'll give an example... I bought a packet of joe pye at a local gardening club event. It was collected/packaged by the club, so not really professionally. I stratified the seeds in moist peat (amount of days for natives I often determine from prairie moon's website or wildflower.org).

i then sowed them (hundred seeds maybe) across 3 6-pack cells in a tray. After all that, one seed germinated. Literally ONE seed. That was a few months back and it's doing well, I've potted it up a couple times and now it's in a quart pot outside. Doing great.

its just frustrating but I'm willing to keep trying.

ive bought seeds on Amazon and they were a total bust.

bought others from prairie moon and they worked fine actually.

perhaps some species are just naturally more "energetic" than others?
mattp321
Original Author
10 years ago
Dave, what are examples of top quality seed sources that do mail order retail sales in small (packet) quantities? Thanks
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
10 years ago
Burpee, Parks, Harris, Johnnys, Stokes, Territorial, Rare Seed/Baker Heirloom, Swallowtail, Select Seed......just to name a few.