Standards of Seed Purity and Germination

Seeds entering into interstate commerce must meet the requirements of the Federal Seed Act. Most state seed laws conform to the federal standards. The kinds of primary noxious weeds, sometimes subject to tolerances, and the secondary noxious weeds listed by the laws of the individual states differ to a considerable extent. The weed seed regulations and the tolerances allowed, if any, may be ascertained by contacting the State Seed Laboratory of any state.

Each container of vegetable seeds must contain or have attached to it a label that gives the following information:

• Name of kind, variety, or hybrid of the seed. The representation of kind and variety shall be confined to the recognized name of the kind and variety. It shall not have affixed thereto words or terms that create a misleading impression about the history or characteristics of the kind of variety.
• Full name and address of the person who transports the seed in interstate commerce or the person to whom the seed is shipped.
• Germination information:

a) Percentage of germination, exclusive of hard seed.

b) Percentage of hard seed, if present.

c) Date of test.

d) Statement as to any seed treatment including the name of substance or process.

e) small packets of seed for home garden use are not required to meet these labeling requirements in some states.