Seed Packet Terms Explained
December 30, 2025

Seed Packet Terms Explained

Seed Shopping Confusion

When garden planning season rolls around, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. Whether this is your first time trying to understand the seed industry or if you’re a seasoned gardener, it is a good idea to brush up on the typical terminology you might run into. The good news is that you don’t need a degree in horticulture to understand these terms. Yet having a good grasp of the meaning of these words can empower you to be a better, more successful gardener by allowing you to take more complete control of your garden. So, take a deep breath and let’s dive in! 


The Basics: What’s on a Seed Packet?

 

Plant Type

The broad category (carrot, tomato, cabbage) will be listed prominently, but don't stop there. The variety name right below it is where the real information starts.

Variety Name

Also prominently displayed should be the specific variety name. This will indicate what variety of tomato or what variety of carrot you can expect to grow. Most seed packets should have a brief description of what sets this variety apart from others.

Days to Maturity

Somewhere on the packet, you should locate a range of days. It might look like “80-90 DTM,” or it might just be “80-90 days”. This indicates how many days this plant typically takes to get from seed to harvest. This can help you determine if you’re able to grow it in your area, if you have an idea of how long your growing season is. 

Occasionally, this number will indicate how many days it takes to harvest from transplant (not from seed), but that should be clearly labeled.

Growing Zone Range

Many seed packets will have a recommended growing zone range for optimal performance of the plant. This will look like “Zone 3-7” or something like that. It is critical that you know what zone your garden is in when you are choosing seeds to grow. 

When to Start the Seeds

Somewhere on the packet, it should indicate when and/or how to start this seed. It might say “start 4-6 weeks early” or something to that effect. This means that you should start these seeds indoors the designated amount of time before the last expected frost of your area. Stay tuned for our indoor seed growing guide coming out this February!

If it says “direct sow” or “sow in situ” and then indicates a time frame, that means you should not start the seeds indoors ahead of time, but sow the seeds directly in the garden bed or container that you plan on growing them in long term. 

Seed Specification Terms: The Nitty Gritty

 

Hybrid

A plant variety that was the result of a purposeful cross between two parent plants to create specific traits such as uniformity, disease resistance, or growth habit. These plants often have high yields and overall good plant vigor with predictable performance. The downside is that they don’t reliably produce true-to-type seeds, meaning it’s not a good idea to save seeds to re-use next year. 

Heirloom

Heirloom seeds are seed varieties passed down for generations (often 50 or more years). Many gardeners value them for their specific, reliable flavor or beauty. Others are valued for their uniqueness or history. Think of these seeds as the proven “secret family recipes” of the seed world. While they aren’t always as easy to grow as hybrids, they are still good choices for any gardener.

Open-Pollinated

This indicates plants that are pollinated by wind, insects, or other natural processes. These types will typically breed true to type and are good choices for trying to save seeds from year to year. 

Organic

This lets you know when seeds have been produced and harvested from plants that were grown using certified organic standards, such as no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. These are a good choice if you have strong environmental values or you highly value trust in growing methods. In short, the word “organic” on a seed packet refers to how the seed was obtained, not necessarily how you must develop the plant from here on out.

Treated

Treated seeds are those that are coated in certain chemicals to prevent common diseases. These are usually only available for seeds that tend to do better with this little boost. They could prevent fungal growth or include a boost of fertilizer. These seeds often have much higher germination rates. It’s best not to save seeds from treated plants, and be sure to wear gloves when handling seeds. They will often be brightly colored. 

Un-treated

This ensures that the seed has not been treated or coated with any kind of fungicide, pesticide, or fertilizer before arriving to you. If you are a strict organic gardener, you will prefer untreated seeds. 

Non-GMO

This stands for “Non-Genetically Modified Organism.” While there is a lot about this term circulating on the internet, it might be reassuring to know that GMO seeds are not typically available to home gardeners. If you’re buying seeds for your backyard, they’re likely already non-GMO. 

Pelleted

Pelleted seeds are seeds that are coated in (typically inert) substances that make it easier to sow the seeds. This is usually only available for seeds that are very tiny and difficult to plant. If the coating is not entirely inert, it should also be labeled as “treated” (see above). 

Stratified or Scarified

Some seeds require a treatment before they will germinate. This might be a cold, hot or mechanical (scratching) treatment. If the seed packet indicates “stratified” or “scarified,” that means that the seeds have already undergone this treatment and are ready to plant.

If the packet says “requires stratification,” this means that the seeds need to undergo a period of cold before they will germinate.

If the packet says “requires scarification,” this means that the seeds need to be scratched or nicked to break the seed coating before they will germinate. 

Resistant

Many seeds these days will say “resistant to …” indicating a pest or disease. This means that the plants produced by those seeds are more likely to resist the pressures of that specific pest or disease. Some are resistant to more than one. Seeds that are resistant to common pests or diseases are great choices for beginners. 

Bolting

Some seed packets might say “prone to” or “resistant to bolting”. Bolting is the rapid transition of a plant to flowering or seed production, typically when the weather changes quickly. This is a normal plant behavior, but it can influence the taste and texture of some vegetables, such as spinach and lettuce. It is useful to keep in mind for garden planning.

Determinant vs. Indeterminate Tomatoes

Determinant tomato plants will produce compact, bushy plants that have the fruits ripen all at once. Perfect for small spaces or if you like to get lots of fruit at once for canning or preserving.

Indeterminate tomato plants are vining plants that continue to grow and put on fruit throughout the season. These are perfect if you like vertical gardening or enjoy being able to harvest a few fruits at a time for fresh use.


Let’s Get Growing

While all these terms might be overwhelming at first, remember, you’re more seed savvy than you think! The main idea here is to choose what terms are most important for you to know for your garden and look for those when you are shopping for seeds. Do you value organic? Do you value hybrid vigor? Do you need varieties with powdery mildew resistance? Nail those priorities down ahead of time, and you can easily narrow down your search. Understanding seed labels opens the door to more intelligent choices and a more confident gardening season. You’ve got this!

 

Lara Wadsworth is a freelance horticulture writer with a Bachelor's degree in Horticulture and over three years of experience creating engaging content about gardening and plant care. As a wife, mom, and dog lover, Lara understands the importance of balancing a busy life with a thriving garden. She values practical advice and effective strategies that empower beginners and experienced gardeners alike to grow with confidence. Through her writing, she aims to inspire others to enjoy the rewards of gardening, no matter their skill level.

 

 

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