Seed Starting - Series 2 Article 1 - How to Read a Seed Packet

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By Bonnie McNamee


For both new gardeners and veterans, the following is pertinent information on understanding seed packets prior to buying. Before purchasing, it’s important to read both the front and back labels. They list important information you will need to know for achieving success in your garden.  

With that in mind, I’ve chosen a packet that’s relatively easy to read and understand. I’m going with Ferry-Morse seeds. On the front is a beautiful picture of a sunflower which is what probably caught your attention in the first place. At the top of the packet is the word ANNUAL along with the weight, and the name of the company FERRY-MORSE since 1856. This tells you that the plant will only bloom one season, the weight is 1.5g, and the company is well established. Next it tells you it is a SUNFLOWER, “Dwarf Teddy Bear”. This tells you it’s a Sunflower as well as the variety of sunflower in which there are many. At the bottom it tells you to use an 18” pot if you wish to put it in a container.


Photo by David Mudd

When turning it over you will find more important information printed on the back of the label. At the top it has a tip: Cute as a little bear. Only 2 feet tall, but produce 8 inch double flowers. Irresistible and just the right size for kids to enjoy. Fits well in any garden.

Care and Maintenance: Days to germinate – 10–14 days; Depth – 1/2 inch; Spacing – 16 inches; Height – 2 feet; Days to bloom – 75 to 90 days. This means your sunflower should start coming up in 10 to 14 days, after planting each seed 1/2 inch deep and 16 inches apart.

Under that is a map of the US in four colors. Look for New Jersey on the map, which is in yellow and you will see that the best time to plant this particular seed is May and June. The final information says after all danger of frost, sow seeds in open ground well exposed (sun). Cover with 1 inch of soil. When plants are 4 inches tall, thin.  Needs lots of water.

Along the side of the packet is the date the seeds were packed so you can see if they are fresh. Some labels have even more information, but if you understand these tips, the rest should come easy. 

Please watch for Articles II, III, and IV on seed starting for vegetables, annuals and perennials, and herbs.


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