The Ultimate Seed Packet Glossary

Annual

Plants that have one growing season, generally one year, and then die and do not return.

BIOENGINEERED

Another term for genetically engineered breeding that uses techniques that modify rDNA.

Botanical Name

A scientific binomial name, assigned by taxonomists, that include the genus and species of the plant in italics, used for identification and noting the evolutionary relationships of plants. For example, Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra).

Cold Stratification

Subjecting seeds to cold temperatures to assist in breaking down the seed coat to allow water to penetrate, helping with germination.

Cool Season

More frost tolerant plants that are planted, mostly direct-seed into the ground, earlier in the year, and do best when the temperatures average between 55° to 75°F.

Common Name

Everyday names used for plants or organisms. For example, Chamomile can be Matricaria chamomilla, also known as German Chamomile, or Chamaemelum nobile, which is Roman Chamomile. Different plants can have the same common name so it’s best to refer to the botanical name.

Dibber

A stake-like tool with depth marks like a ruler but specific for seed planting.

Germinate/Germination

When a seed or spore goes from dormancy to putting out shoots.

GERMINATION RATE

The percentage of seeds that sprout within a specific time frame.

Frost Date

The date when the temperatures first dip in fall/winter or last dip in spring below 32°F, that can damage plants. A general date can be found by average weather temperatures the past few years or an almanac.

Full Shade

Light requirement of less than 4 hours per day of direct sun.

Full Sun

Light requirement of more than 6 hours of direct sun per day.

Heirloom (OP)

Seeds that have been passed down for generations going back over 50 years and always open-pollinated (OP).

Hybrid (F1)

Indicates a seed is from a cross bred plant. F1 is sometimes used as shorthand for hybrid seeds.

Non-GMO

Seeds that are not genetically modified, may or may not be organic.

Open-Pollinated (OP)

Seeds that are pollinated naturally by insects, wind, or even self-pollination.

Organic & Certified Organic

When a plant is labeled “organic,” it's grown from non-GMO seed or plant stock with minimal and approved chemicals and does not use ionizing radiation methods. They’re also not grown near any sewage sludge. Certified Organic plants meet strict requirements and the growing facilities are subject to regular audits. The finished goods must contain at least 95% organic ingredients for consideration of the Certified Organic Label. A minimum of 70% Certified Organic ingredients is required for the Made With Organic label.

Partial Shade/Part Sun

Light requirement of 4 to 6 hours per day of direct sun.

Perennial

Plants that have multiple growing seasons, die back in the winter, and come back year after year.

Scarification

Scaring of the seed coat to allow water penetration, which increases germination, by means of filing, scratching, sandpaper, puncturing, or burning.

Warm Season

Recommended to plant after the last frost date has passed as they require higher temperatures in the soil and air.

Variety

Cross bred to create new varieties that are bred specially for larger yields, faster growth, disease or pest resistance, or heat/drought or cold/frost tolerant.