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A seed packet is more than just a pretty envelope! Learning how to read seed packets ensures that you plant flowers at the right time, in the right conditions. Seed packets consistently provide inconsistent information – confusing right? Not all seed packets are designed and created equal, and it can be unclear, especially when you are new to gardening. I find it so frustrating!
Why understanding seed packets matters
Growing from seed gives you access to more varieties and saves money (I have made a list of my favourite flower seed suppliers). Understanding your seed packets is the first step to success because seed packets provide critical details about planting times, spacing, and care, ensuring optimal growth conditions for you cut flowers. Understanding this information will save you time, prevent mistakes, and maximize your gardens productivity aka more flowers which is what we all want!
In this post, I’ll break down the details you may find when you pick up a seed packet. I’ll focus on the important essential information, and the nice to haves. and show you how to find the missing pieces to ensure your cut flowers thrive. Understanding seed packets doesn’t have to be a minefield!
Essential information on seed packets
Plant variety
This is the name and variety of the flower you’re planting. Recording this information helps you remember what worked and what didn’t, and subsequently flag which varieties are your favourites, and which were just a bit…meh.
Plant description
The description gives you an idea of the plant’s characteristics, such as its flower colour, fragrance, or any unique growing habits (such as climbing, good for pots or cutting).
Plant type
Plants will be categorised as hardy or tender, and annual, biennial or perennial. Hardy means they will generally survive our winter, whilst tender means they won’t overwinter well, and frost should be avoided. Annuals are sown, grown and bloom in one season; biennials are sown one year and flower the next year; and perennials will return year after year.
Height and spread
Knowing how tall your flowers will grow is key for planning your space. Arranging by height can help avoiding shading your plants and ensure even light. Plus, for cut flowers, you typically want taller varieties with long stems. A seed packet might indicate “90cm” or “dwarf variety”.
Spacing
Proper spacing is crucial for tall, strong plants. Spacing too closely can lead to diseases and the competition for light, water and nutrients can impact your plants. Equally, spacing too far apart may lead to unsupported plants with bent stems. The packet will indicate how far apart to plant seeds in a row and how far to space the rows themselves. This is a great starting point for planning (though you can often squeeze a few extra plants in for cut flowers – I certainly do!)
Sowing
Seed packets will tell you when to sow indoors or directly outdoors. It’s essential to follow these guidelines for your flowers to have enough time to grow strong before blooming, and avoid low light levels or cold temperatures they cant thrive in.
- dates /times
- indoors outdoors
- plant out harvest
- depth
- spacing for sowing
- spacing or thinning
Germination
This information will include the time and temperature required fro seed germination. How long will it take for your seeds to sprout? This is handy for tracking progress, and identifying whether your seeds may be past their best. I’ve seen seeds that can take up to 90days(!)
Some flowers require a specific range of temperatures to germinate successfully. If your packet lists this info, it can help you create the best environment for the seeds to sprout, eg unheated greenhouse, indoors, in a heated propagator.
Nice to have information on seed packets
Plant photo
Because flowers are pretty and I want to see them all the time. Rooting through your seed box is much easier when you have a visual to hunt for.
Number of seeds
Many will list by weight; others will have an approximate number. This is useful for keeping track of your inventory. Seeds stored well will last multiple seasons (with some exceptions) so its handy to track how many you have used and know whether you need to buy more or not each season.
Organic/Open-pollinated/Heirloom/Hybrid F1
If you want to start saving your own seed, this is essential info to know what type of seeds you are growing. This is because it will determine whether your seeds will ‘come true’ aka be identical to the parent plant.
You may see certifications such as ‘organic’ on your packets. Conventionally, seeds are grown with synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides. Organic plants are grown in rich soil with techniques you utilise in an organic garden at home. These seeds offer the best natural pest and disease resistance thanks to them growing and thriving in a similar environment.
Days to maturity/harvest
This tells you how long it will take for the flowers to bloom after sowing. Knowing when to expect blooms is key for scheduling harvesting, selling and succession plantings to make the most of your space.
Soil and water needs
Information on soil type and watering frequency is helpful. Some flowers prefer dry, well-drained soil, while others thrive in moist, well-watered conditions.
Light requirements
Most flowers prefer full sun, but some do better in partial shade. This section will tell you how much sunlight the plant needs to grow strong and produce plentiful blooms for cutting. If you have shaded beds this is key for finding the flowers you can grow there. As a guide:
- Full sun: More than six hours of direct sun per day in summer
- Partial shade: Three to six hours per day
- Shade: Less than 3 hours per day
Packed date and use by date
I constantly lose track of when I bought my seeds. Older seeds may have lower germination rates but some varieties come in such huge quantities that you do not want to waste. The packing and use by dates are helpful guides to help figure out if your seeds are getting old. Please know that they are not expiration dates! Seeds may germinate after their use by date and produce healthy plants just like fresh seed so do not throw them away. Instead, use these dates to know whether you should do germination tests to decide if you need to buy more.
What do I do if information is missing on my seed packet
So here is the crux of the issue: sometimes, cough *usually*, your seed packet will be missing key details. Here are some ways to fill in the gaps:
- Search Online
The internet is full of detailed growing guides, including sowing dates, spacing, and other care tips. You can also check gardening forums or blogs for advice on specific varieties. Floret have a fantastic database of cut flowers
- Consult Gardening Books
Books dedicated to flower gardening often contain detailed descriptions of common cut flowers, including the ideal growing conditions and care. Look for guides specific to your growing zone or flower type to find the most useful information for your garden.
- Ask Local Garden Centres, or other gardeners
Local experts can provide insight into growing flowers that are well-suited for your region’s climate. It’s also worth asking about soil conditions, watering needs, and the best varieties for cut flowers.
- Gardening Apps
Many gardening apps allow you to track your plants, set reminders, and even provide detailed care instructions for specific flower varieties. Subsequently, they can be an excellent resource when seed packets lack info.
By taking the time to find essential seed information, like sowing dates, plant spacing, and height, you’ll have a solid foundation for growing beautiful cut flowers. Extra information, like soil preferences or sun requirements, can help you optimize your growing conditions too. I like to collate this information in a spreadsheet or journal to refer to each subsequent season.
