State Seed Labs

Each state has a lab that will test for viability, purity, and freedom from noxious weed seeds. The Virginia State Seed lab is in Richmond. These labs will also test seed samples from the public for a small fee. In most cases, state and federal agencies monitor vegetable seed sales to ensure that they conform to state and federal standards. Most prepackaged seeds far exceed the minimum requirements established by the state and federal seeds laws. For example, by the Virginia State Seed Law, tomato seeds must have at least 75% germination to be sold in the state. Most tomato seeds purchased commercially will have germination percentages of at least 95%.

Certified Seeds

Many states have seed certification programs. Certified seeds are carefully monitored during production and are certified to be true-to-type, of high germinability, and to contain low percentages of weed seeds and inert matter. Generally, only agronomic crops are entered into seed certification programs, however, vegetables may also be included in the program. For example, California at one time certified the production of ‘Charleston Gray’ watermelon seeds.