FAQ

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• What is on a seed tag? Seed

  A seed tag is a required label on any seed that is sold. Depending on what type of seed you purchase the information can vary. Read more about it here.

• When is the best time to plant FESCUE or other cool season grasses? Garden Lawn Seed

  The ideal time to plant fescue and other cool season grasses is in the fall, but they can also be planted in early spring.

• When is the best time to plant BERMUDAGRASS or other warm season lawn grasses? Lawn Seed

  The ideal time to plant Bermuda and other warm season grasses is in the early summer.  Bermuda requires a soil temperature of 65°F and rising

• How do I plant wildflower seeds? Garden Seed Wildflowers

  Planting wildflower seeds is best done in late fall or early spring, in areas of moderate to good sun exposure.

  Lightly cultivate site, spread seed, then rake topsoil to insure good seed to soil contact.

  Use care that seed is no more than 1/4” deep to promote best emergence.

  Water thoroughly and keep consistently moist until wildflowers begin to grow.

  Ideally dormant growth should be left standing over winter to shelter pollinators. If maintenance must be done, for proper reseeding, mow or roll plants after they have matured completely, allowing the clippings to remain on the seedbed.

  Always use caution when applying herbicides, consider the possible effects on future and growing wildflowers.

• What is the difference between hulled and unhulled seeds? Garden Lawn Seed Wildflowers

  Hulled and unhulled seeds refer to whether the seed coat (the protective outer layer of the seed) has been removed or not:

  1. Hulled Seeds: Hulled seeds have had their outer seed coat removed. This process is often done to make the seeds easier to handle, sow, and germinate. Removing the hull can also speed up the germination process because it eliminates a barrier that the emerging seedling would otherwise need to penetrate.
  2. Unhulled Seeds: Unhulled seeds retain their outer seed coat. These seeds are in their natural state and have not undergone any processing to remove the hull. Unhulled requires longer to germinate but is more hardy and less likely to sprout pre-maturely.

  The choice between hulled and unhulled seeds for planting depends on various factors such as the specific plant species, growing conditions, and personal preference. In some cases, hulled seeds may be preferred for their ease of handling and faster germination, while in other cases, unhulled seeds may be chosen for their natural state and potential resilience.

• What is seed coating? Garden General Lawn Seed Wildflowers

  Seed coating involves applying a protective layer or treatment to seeds before planting. This coating can serve several purposes:

  1. Protection: Seed coatings protect seeds from environmental stressors such as extreme temperatures, drought, pathogens, and pests. They act as a barrier, shielding the seeds from adverse conditions during germination and early growth stages.
  2. Enhanced Germination: Some seed coatings contain substances that promote germination by providing essential nutrients, hormones, or microbial inoculants. These additives can improve seedling vigor and establishment, leading to better overall crop performance.
  3. Disease and Pest Control: Seed coatings may incorporate fungicides, insecticides, or nematicides to protect seeds from soil-borne pathogens, pests, and nematodes. This helps prevent seed and seedling damage, reducing the risk of crop loss due to diseases and pests.
  4. Uniformity and Handling: Coating seeds can improve their uniformity in size, shape, and weight, making them easier to handle, sow, and plant with precision using mechanized equipment. Additionally, seed coatings may include colorants or dyes for easier visual identification during planting.

  Seed coating formulations vary depending on the specific needs of the crop, environmental conditions, target pests and diseases, and desired agronomic outcomes. Common coating materials include polymers, clays, binders, nutrients, biological agents, and synthetic or natural pesticides.

• I planted seed and it didn’t come up. What happened? Seed

  Many people with seed germination issues wonder if there was a problem with the seed. However, that usually isn’t the cause. State seed laws require us to monitor seed lot germination by sending samples to certified seed labs to test and verify germination standards.

  There are many factors that can cause seeds to not grow, including:
  Seeds were planted when it was too hot or too cold
  Seeds were planted too deeply/not deep enough
  Seeds received too much water/not enough water
  Seeds were planted in compacted soil

  If you don’t see a solution to your problem here, don’t hesitate to call our customer service line at 580-249-4449 or email us at johnseed@johnstonseed.com and we will work with you to find a solution.

• What is the difference between Pure Live Seed (PLS) and Bulk Seed? Seed

  Pure Live Seed (often referred to as PLS) refers to the percentage of live, viable seed in a bulk amount of seed. This percentage of seed is what is capable of developing into seedlings. PLS provides a standard of comparing the quality of lots of the same species that have different germination and purity. PLS is calculated by multiplying the percent of total germination and the percent of pure seed of a lot.

  Example: 98% purity and 90% germination
  98 x 90/100=88.2%
  Only 88.2 percent of that lot of seed is capable of growing. If you have a 50-pound bulk bag of seed that would give you 44.1 pounds of live seed.

• What is the difference in seeding rate for coated vs. uncoated seeds? Seed

  Most seeding rates are based on a set number of seeds over a certain area. When a coated seed is used, the seed size has been increased, so the rate should also be adjusted to accommodate the larger seed.

• What is the difference in seeding rate for drilling vs. broadcasting? Seed

  Due to the variability of broadcasting seed over the ability to calibrate a drill, seeding rates are often recommended to increase when using the broadcast method.

• How long can I store seed? Seed

  Seed should be stored in a cool (not freezing), dry place with low humidity. When properly stored some seeds can stay viable for years.

• What is seed coating, and what are its benefits? Seed

  Seed coating is a covering applied to seeds that may contain fertilizer, growth promoters or a seed treatment. Seed coating can also be used to increase the size and weight of the seed to aid in planting accuracy.