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gardenjen_ca

Have question on pelleted seeds

gardenjen_ca
18 years ago

I just received some seeds from Stokes and two of them are pelleted - in clear plastic tubes. I was reading directions on back of pack and it sounds like you plant the whole darn thing...is this right?? I've never don't these before and am very confused...any info would be very much appreciated...thanks!

Comments (12)

  • crazymaisy
    18 years ago

    Pelleted seed have a coating around the seed for easier handling, the coating will eventually dissolve once it has been moisten.

    Yes, just sow your seed and watch them grow ;)

    Sharon

  • shrubs_n_bulbs
    18 years ago

    I've found the coating is sometimes reluctant to disappear and then the seed dosen't germinate, but if has been moist for a while it will be very soft and will just wash away with a quick spray or an overhead watering.

  • calistoga_al ca 15 usda 9
    18 years ago

    Most seed used to start plugs for commercial growers are pelleted to adjust the size so they may be handled by machines. Planting them by hand would be the same whether pelleted or not. Al

  • neil_allen
    18 years ago

    But if by "the whole darn thing" you mean "plant the plastic tube with the pelleted seeds inside it," no -- take the pelleted seeds out of the tube and plant them.

  • Crazy_Gardener
    18 years ago

    Not only are pelleted seeds easier to handle either by hand or machine, some seed are so minuscule/ dust-size that a pelleted coating is best for this kind of seed.

    Sharon

  • mylu
    18 years ago

    calistoga, Not sure where you get the "most seeds are pelleted" part. Most seeds we purchase are not pellet.
    Out of the hundreds of varieties we purchase this year less then 5% are in pellets (if that many)

    Seeds are in pellets because the are very small seeds. The coating is a clay. Easily dissolved. Do not bury the pellet. Small seeds that are in pellets need to be surface sowed. Once the pellet dissolves the seed will be setting nicely on your planting medium.

  • shrubs_n_bulbs
    18 years ago

    I agree, the coating is your friend, there is only a speck of dust inside! Pelleted is also done only for the more expensive seed. If you can get 1,000 seeds for a dollar, they won't be pelleted :)

  • calistoga_al ca 15 usda 9
    18 years ago

    mylu you did not read the whole sentence. Most seeds used to start plugs for commercial growers are pelleted to adjust the size so they may be handled by machines. A machine for automaticly seeding plug trays uses a revolving drum with small holes which a slight vacuum picks up one seed for each hole as it rotates in the seed container. When the row of holes each with one seed is over the tray with soil filled plugs the vacuum is released and each plug is seeded. This machine requires seed of uniform size and that is provided by pelleting the seed. Al

  • Woodstockfilms_msn_com
    14 years ago

    I just read above that a pelleted seed should be surface sown and not covered with soil? Is that correct. Would that be for all pelleted seeds?

  • redthreaddiy
    13 years ago

    I think you should surface sow them. I have petunia and impatiens that are pelleted seed, but they also require light to germinate. I'm worried, because the pellet is blocking all light! So - I would definitely surface sow, or, just break open the pellet with toenail clippers to get the seed to plant properly.

  • Millie5
    11 years ago

    Is the clay coating (or inert materials) generally ok to be considered "organic". What coating would not meet this requirement (to be organic.)

  • digdirt2
    11 years ago

    Is the clay coating (or inert materials) generally ok to be considered "organic". What coating would not meet this requirement (to be organic.)

    If you are a certified organic grower - the only instance where it would matter - then you'd have to contact your local certification agent to double check. But in most states yes, pelleted seed are approved for organic certification.

    While there are some fungicide-treated/coated seeds that are not approved for certified organic growers to use, that is quite different from pelleted seeds. I can't think of any pelletized seed coating that wouldn't be considered "organic". The issue is not the coating but if your particular state approves their use for certified growers.

    Dave