A seed packet is a tiny instruction manual. Once you know how to read it, you will know exactly when to sow, how deep, how far apart and what to expect — no guesswork. This guide walks through everything printed on the packet and explains the common seed terms that trip up beginners.
- Botanical name the exact plant (e.g. Ocimum basilicum)
- Sowing period which months to sow
- Depth & spacing how deep and how far apart
- Germination how long until it sprouts
What's on a SeedsChoice packet
Every packet carries the same key details: the common and botanical name so you know precisely what you are growing; the sowing period and whether to start indoors or sow direct; the sowing depth and final spacing; the germination time; and the position the plant likes — sun, partial shade or shade. Read it once before you sow and you will avoid most beginner mistakes. For when to sow each type across the year, pair it with our sowing calendars.
Common seed terms explained
- Annual. Grows, flowers and dies in one season — sow fresh each year (most annual flowers and many vegetables).
- Biennial. Takes two seasons — leaves in year one, flowers or seed in year two.
- Perennial. Lives for years and returns each season (like many perennial herbs).
- Hardy / half-hardy / tender. How much cold a plant takes. Hardy copes with frost; tender needs warmth and must wait until frost has passed.
- F1 hybrid. A cross of two parent lines for vigour and uniformity. Excellent results, but seed saved from it will not come true.
- Open-pollinated & heirloom. Traditional varieties that come true from saved seed — great if you want to save your own seed.
- Sow direct vs under cover. Direct means straight into the ground; under cover means indoors or in a greenhouse to start early.
- Germination time. How long, in days, until seedlings appear.
- Thinning & pricking out. Removing or moving crowded seedlings so each has room to grow.
- Harden off. Gradually getting indoor-raised plants used to life outside before planting out.
- Days to maturity. Roughly how long from sowing to harvest or first flower.
How to use the packet to plan
Before sowing, read the packet end to end. Note the sowing months and whether to start indoors or direct, check the depth and spacing, and look at the position the plant needs so you can pick the right spot. Not sure which variety to buy in the first place? Our guide to choosing the right seeds helps, and total beginners can start with seed growing 101.
Frequently asked questions
Are F1 hybrids better than heirlooms?
Neither is better — F1s are uniform and vigorous; heirlooms have character and come true from saved seed. Choose by what you want.
Can I save seed from my plants?
Yes from open-pollinated and heirloom varieties; F1 hybrids will not grow true to type.
What if my packet has no last-frost date?
Use your local last-frost date as the anchor and read the sowing months relative to it.
How deep should I sow?
As a rule, as deep as the seed is wide — the packet gives the exact figure, and some seeds need surface light.
Know your packet? Browse all seeds.
