How To Read a Seed Label to Determine Quality

Another Report on Effective Turf Maintenance from the Lawn Institute

Rather than buying your next seed by the picture on the box, or the general advertising claims of the supplier, turn to the seed label on the back. By law, the seed box or bag must contain a label that tells you what is in the container. There are a large number of new grass seed varieties available to the homeowner as single improved varieties, blends, and mixtures that provide a more environmentally sound lawn than just a few years ago. But you must have an understanding of the seed label to help you make a more informed buying decision. Let's review the information that must be present on the label:

Name of the Seed Variety - Each kind (variety) of lawnseed is listed by its percentage (Purity) by weight in the box or bag. Improved varieties have characteristics that are patentable under the Federal Plant Variety Protection (PVP) Act. Thus, you should find specific trade names of varieties rather than the generic names: i.e. Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fine fescue. In our label example, Aries Kentucky Bluegrass, Pisces Perennial Ryegrass, and Virgo Chewings Fescue are hypothetical trade name improved varieties.

Germination - The germination figure is an important percentage because it tells you how much of each pure seed variety listed will "sprout" and is capable of growing a grass plant. In the example, the Kentucky bluegrass germination figure is 85%, the perennial ryegrass is 90%, and the fine fescue is 85%. The higher the percentage, the better.

Other Crop Seed - If there are any kinds of lawnseed other than those listed under "Seed Variety," it will be listed on the label by weight percentage. These "off types" of seed are not specifically named, but they can detract from the quality of the lawn. In our example, Other Crop Seed is 0.26%, or approximately one-fourth of one percent by weight. This is certainly acceptable. The lower the percentage, the better when assessing the seed label information.

Weed Seed - If any weed seed is present, it is listed by percentage of weight. We really don't want any weed seeds in our seed container, but it is very difficult and expensive to catch all the weed seeds during the cleaning process. Acceptable limits range from 0.3 to 0.5%. In our example, 0.10% is well below the acceptable level. The higher the percentage of weed seed shown on the label, the poorer the quality of the box or bag you are buying.

Noxious Weeds - Most states have lists of weeds that are so troublesome and undesirable that their presence must be stated on the seed label. For a quality lawn, you want to avoid boxes or bags with noxious weeds listed.

Inert Matter - This is any substance in the box or bag that is not capable of growth. It could be broken seed that could not be cleaned out, or it may be a filler added to take up space. In our example, the inert matter is listed at 0.09% - certainly an acceptable level. The lower the percentage of inert matter, the better.

Other Information - There is other important information on the label that you should read and be aware of: the name of the producer/distributor, where each variety was grown, lot number used for tracing the container through the marketing channels, and when the seed lot was tested. Many state laws require that a bag or box be retested and relabeled after 9 months to 1 year if not sold. You should check and be aware of the month and year the seed was tested.

Other Considerations - There are many places where non-perennial (annual) grasses are beneficial to the environment, but NOT as grass seed purchased to establish or renovate a permanent lawn. Improved perennial varieties are your best buy for a permanent lawn. Annual grasses can be beneficial for erosion control as "nurse" grass when establishing a new lawn. Lawnseed purchased for a permanent lawn should not contain more than 15% annual grasses.

Quality grass seed WILL cost you more money per pound. Quality always does. But when you put the cost of quality grass seed in perspective to the value of your home and property, it’s a small dollar investment with tremendous return. I t is estimated that your landscape can add as much as 15% to the value of your home - something realtors call "curb appeal."

The highest return on the money you use to improve your home is an investment in the landscape... 100% to 200%. A new deck is a 40% to 70% return, a bathroom is 80% to 120%, and a kitchen is 75% to 125%.

A great deal has been spent on research and development to produce new grass varieties that are more insect and disease resistant, drought tolerant, and adaptable to different environmental conditions. In many cases, these improved varieties require less pesticides for control and less water, when properly maintained. Said another way, the improved lawnseed varieties are more environmentally "friendly" than the grass you currently have in your lawn. Knowing that you’re buying quality, improved grass seed will depend on how carefully you read the seed label before your next purchase.

The Lawn Institute
1855-A Hicks Road
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008