How Park Seed Tests Seed Germination for Quality and Viability
Superior Germination is a Promise We Stand Behind Every Day
Park Seed tests each seed lot for germination before sale and re-tests inventory over time. At home, gardeners can test older seeds by placing a small sample on a damp paper towel, sealing it in a plastic bag, and counting how many sprout after the recommended germination period.
Most of you know by now that, at Park Seed, we test our seeds for quality, but you may not know the particulars of this testing. Read on to learn more about the who, what, when, where, and why of seed testing at Park Seed.
Presented by Park Seed’s Germination Analyst, Annette
How Park Seed Tests Seed Germination
At Park Seed, that would be me. I'm Annette, the Seed Germination Analyst.
What Germination Testing Measures
While we refer to it as seed testing it's more accurately called germination testing. We don't determine which seed is better because that decision is made subjectively by you based on your needs, your preferences, your growing experiences, your environments, and if we're being honest, occasional offers of free shipping.
When Seed Lots Are Tested
We test a sample of each lot of seeds as soon as we possibly can after their arrival. (A "lot" is a group of seeds of the same variety that are grown and harvested at the same time and in the same conditions.) We catalog and record the lifecycle of each individual lot of seeds and, if we have any of a specific lot in stock, we periodically continue testing it to ensure your growing success. We don't test mixed lots unless we are selling those seeds as a mix because we want to provide the most accurate assessment we can of the potential of the seeds.
Where Park Seed Tests Seeds
Here, in our South Carolina Germination Lab primarily. But since seeds germinate in different conditions, (and some need a serious winter, up to a month under snow, to germinate) we also test seeds stored in a refrigerator and two of them in a freezer beside the Freezer Pops. (Shout out to Maintenance & Grounds for not eating my cool seeds on hot summer days.)
Why Germination Rates Matter
This is the crux of our testing. Seed germination percentages are federally mandated and if you farm commercially, you understand why. Crop production and budgeted harvests during a planting season are based on anticipated results. If a season’s crop production falls short, then families, commercial farms, economies, and ultimately the food chain are negatively impacted. It's a big deal.
Park Seed sets germination standards at least 5% above the federal mandate (our germination rates frequently exceed that additional 5%.) Then, through testing, we verify that Park seeds meet our higher standard. That’s why we're able to offer superior quality seeds, higher germination rates, and why we proudly stand behind them with our satisfaction guarantee to replace or refund seeds that don’t germinate at expected levels.
I hope this is helpful, insightful, and reassuring. Gotta go wash the dirt off my hands now and record my findings.
Thank you, Annette! If you have questions about the process, please send them via Facebook, Instagram, or by email to [email protected].
How to Test Seeds at Home
You can check seed viability at home with a simple paper towel germination test.
Place 10 seeds on a damp paper towel, leaving a little space between each seed. Fold the towel over the seeds, then place it inside a sealed plastic bag or covered container to help retain moisture.
Keep the container in a warm location and follow any temperature or light requirements listed on the seed packet. Check the seeds daily, making sure the paper towel stays evenly moist but never soggy.
Wait until the full germination period listed on the packet has passed, then count how many seeds sprouted. For example, if 8 out of 10 seeds germinate, you have an estimated 80% germination rate.
If the rate is lower than expected, sow extra seeds to account for reduced viability or start with fresh seed for more reliable results.
Learn more about choosing, storing, and evaluating high-quality seeds:
How to read seed packet labels and germination information
How long seeds stay viable and how to store them properly
How Park Seed tests seed quality and germination rates
Did you know that the gold foil seed packets from Park Seed help to keep seeds fresh and viable for a longer time? Foil seed packs help keep seeds fresh longer than paper packets because the foil blocks out light and helps prevent moisture from getting in. Once you've opened your gold foil seed pack from Park Seed, you can keep any remaining seeds fresh by folding over the opened end and putting the foil pack into a resealable plastic bag. If there's enough room to add this without crushing the seeds, add a paperclip to the fold to hold it tightly closed before sealing in the plastic bag.