The decisive factor in choosing seeds is the manufacturer. Popular companies have established themselves in the market as suppliers of high-quality seed. Gardeners and gardeners, guided by their experience, choose proven manufacturers. Large firms offer not only seeds, but also soil, greenhouses, planting containers and garden tools. Companies have representative offices abroad, applying foreign experience in the changing Russian climate. 
Domestic seed producers
Agrofirms of Russia represent a wide range of planting material. All seeds are guaranteed. Companies test the material for germination, resistance to diseases and pests, and shade tolerance. Seed collections are constantly updated and replenished with new hybrids and plant varieties. Manufacturers sell their products wholesale and retail. For regular customers there are discounts and promotions.
Agrofirm "AELITA"
The oldest domestic company producing high-quality seeds of vegetables, fruits, flowers and herbs. The assortment includes mushroom mycelium and material for planting. "AELITA" offers peat soil, garden tools and popular scientific literature on crop production.
The selection work of the agricultural company has been carried out since 1994. More than 400 hybrids and varieties have been bred. Their number is replenished every year. The company participates in international forums and conferences. The selection work of the company is marked by awards and certificates.
Seeds and related products can be purchased in bulk on the company's website or at retail outlets and online stores. Delivery by courier, transport company or Russian post is possible. A flexible system of discounts, promotions and special bonuses is provided for regular and wholesale customers.
Agrofirm "Biotechnika"
The company appeared in 1990 and instantly gained recognition in the market. Today the company is a leader in the production and sale of seeds and hybrids of its own selection. The company's products are patented. The team of agronomists cooperates with colleagues from Germany and Austria.
Advantages of the agricultural company:
- focused on the production of seed adapted to the changing climate of central and northern regions Russia;
- the seeds were selected and tested at the company's site;
- seed is packed in branded bags with recommendations for growing and care;
- product warranty;
- plants meet all the declared characteristics;
- has its own nurseries and greenhouses, sells seedlings of fruit and berry crops.
You can buy seeds in supermarkets and on the company's website. In megacities and large cities, the courier will deliver the purchase to the house, in the villages and villages, bags of seeds will be sent by Russian post.
Agrofirm "Russian Garden - NK"
The agricultural company was registered in 1995 and has its own research bases in the Moscow region. Varieties of vegetables and flowers are marked with awards and prizes at international exhibitions.
Exhibition sites are represented not only in Russia, but also in Holland. The company has open and closed test sites. The best seeds are published in an annual colorful catalog, which is distributed free of charge.
The agrofirm offers a wide range of seeds, seedlings, planting material of vegetable and flower plants. Implements fruit crops and. Sells top dressings, fertilizers and means for protection against pests.
Before going on sale, the seeds undergo a phased control:
- On the test plots, their compliance with the variety and the declared characteristics is checked.
- In laboratories, the germination of seed is checked. Plants with indicators below 93% are rejected.
- Seeds are tested for resistance to diseases and pests.
The consumer is guaranteed to receive quality products. You can order seeds online or online. Products are presented in retail outlets in all cities of Russia.
Agrofirm "SeDeK"
Founded in 1995, specializes in varietal breeding and seed production. Thanks to agricultural promotion, the seeds are presented in Russia and abroad. The company positions itself as a manufacturer of quality seeds at a reasonable price.
The State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation contains more than 400 varieties and hybrids of plants, which were bred by the company's employees. SeDeK produces elite varietal potato seeds.
The agricultural company offers a wide range of seed and planting material for vegetables, fruits, flowers, herbs and plants to wholesale and retail customers. The company develops and sells fertilizers and drugs to stimulate crop growth.
It has its own website and outlets. Representative offices of the agricultural company are opened in large cities of Russia and Belarus. You can buy products through the online store.
Agrofirm "Artikul"
The company has been producing seeds since 1990. It has no achievements in breeding work, has not been awarded awards and prizes in international exhibitions. The agrofirm specializes in the production and sale of vegetable and flower seeds.
"Article" is different high quality produced material. In the 2000s, products were counterfeited by selling defective and off-brand seeds. The company introduced a distinctive engraving and a corresponding quality mark. At present, the number of fake parties has decreased.
You can buy planting material at reasonable prices in online stores and at retail outlets. The company does not have its own website. Catalogs with a full range of products are issued annually.
Company "Russian garden"
Seeds "Russian size" manufacturer "Russian garden" have conflicting reviews. Some gardeners note the low germination of planting material, the instability of crops to pests and diseases. Others prefer to buy the seeds of this company, noting the low cost and rich harvests of vegetables.
The assortment of the catalog is updated annually, replenished with new hybrids and plant varieties. The company offers the consumer seedlings, seedlings of fruit and berry crops, and top dressing.
Counterfeit products masquerading as well-known manufacturer seeds.
It is necessary to carefully choose a store to purchase high-quality varietal planting material. It is not recommended to order products on unknown sites and forums.
Agrofirm "PLASMAS"
It stands apart in the agricultural market due to the fact that it does not produce seeds, but only processes them using a special technology patented in the Russian Federation and the USA. Plasma treatment of seed material increases the germination of seeds and the resistance of seedlings to infectious diseases and pests.
Treated seeds give strong sprouts with a powerful and developed root system. The number of crops is growing, gardeners are happy. Processing is absolutely safe for humans and animals. After planting the seeds, the structure of the soil does not change.
The company does not provide information about where the seeds come from, packaged in bags under the PLASMAS logo. Plasma treatment affects the cost of seed: the price increases several times. Quantity of seeds in a package: 1-2 g. Seed material germination is average.
Agrofirm "Poisk"
Poisk is one of the best seed producers in Russia. The company was founded in 1990 on the basis of the All-Union Research Institute. The agrofirm is engaged in seed production and varietal selection of plants.
"Search" is represented by:
- selection center;
- scientific division;
- production base;
- outlets;
- field plot;
- foreign enterprise.
The company guarantees the quality of planting material and high level client service. The agricultural firm offers wholesalers and retail customers a wide range of seeds, seedlings, vegetable seedlings, flowers, ornamental and indoor plants.
The company cooperates with Dutch breeders. Participates in international forums and exhibitions. Has a quality certificate. In 2001, a nursery was opened in which hybrid varieties of fruit and ornamental plants, aquatic and coastal crops, shrubs and bulbous perennials.
Products are presented on their own website and in a 24-hour company store. Delivery is possible by courier, mail and transport companies.
Seed quality control is carried out in testing laboratories and research centers. All seed material is tested for germination. In changing climatic conditions, the germination rate is 80-90%.
Agrofirm "Akvarel"
The company was founded in 2003 and sells seeds of Dutch-made plants. Currently, the company offers more than 150 types of vegetable varieties and more than 300 types of flower seeds.
The agricultural company sells products to wholesale buyers. The company's clients are large farms and agricultural complexes. Seed germination is strictly controlled and the output is close to 100%.
The quality of the crop directly depends on compliance with the conditions for planting seeds:
- temperature and humidity;
- soil structures;
- sowing dates;
- fertilizers and dressings of seedlings.
The agrofirm is not responsible for planting seeds in improper conditions. All recommendations for planting and care are indicated on the packaging with planting material.
Products are widely represented in online stores. The seeds of this agricultural company are not distributed in retail outlets.
Agrofirm "House of Seeds" (Sortsemovoshch)
The agrofirm sells Russian seeds in the central regions of Russia. The company is located in St. Petersburg, so seedlings and seedlings of flowers can only be purchased in this city. Seeds of vegetables, herbs, mushroom mycelium and flower bulbs can be ordered online. The purchase will be delivered by mail to any region of Russia.
Seeds are intended for planting in changing climatic conditions, adapted for risky farming areas. Seed germination is high. In production laboratories, all varieties undergo quality control and compliance with the declared characteristics. Seed selection ensures plant health.
The company's product range includes fertilizers, top dressings, preparations for activating growth and protecting against pests. The company also offers related products: greenhouses, literature on vegetable growing and floriculture. For wholesale and regular customers, a flexible system of discounts, promotions and bonuses is provided.
Agrofirm "Siberian Garden" (SibSad)
Seeds are popular in regions with difficult climatic conditions: in the Urals, the Far East, Eastern and Western Siberia. The company was founded in 2007 and has become famous for its quality products. The catalog is updated annually and replenished with new hybrids and varieties.
The experimental plots and nurseries of the agricultural firm are located in the Novosibirsk region. All plants grown from the seeds of the company are frost-resistant, shade-tolerant, resistant to diseases and pests.
All products comply with the quality of the state standard. "SibSad" offers its customers seeds for gardens and orchards, seedlings of fruit and berry and ornamental crops.
The laboratories carry out year-round quality control. This avoids regrading and improves seed germination. Siberian Garden is the leader in the sale of tomatoes and peppers. The company's breeders have bred roses, dahlias, peonies and lilies that grow in the cold northern climate.
Agrofirm "Semko Junior"
Company for the production and sale of seeds, seedlings and seedlings. The company often holds exhibitions, seminars and forums for the exchange of experience with foreign colleagues. The agrofirm publishes its own newspaper, New Landowner. Employees of the company appear on radio and television.
The website contains catalogs with a wide range of vegetable and fruit crops, flowers, and ornamental plants. You can place an order for products in the online store.
Seeds have a high percentage of germination, resistant to waterlogging and drought. Thanks to special processing, seed material is stored up to 5-7 years.
Semco Junior offers the best seeds at affordable prices. You can buy products wholesale and retail. Regular customers are provided with special discounts and bonuses.
Agrofirm "Seeds of Altai"
The agrofirm has been leading its history since 1995, actively developing and mastering new segments of the agricultural market. In addition to good quality seeds, the company offers seedlings ornamental shrubs and roses.
All seed material is adapted to the harsh climatic conditions of the Russian north. Plants are not infected powdery mildew and a worm.
Staff breeders of the agricultural company develop hybrid varieties of plants and fruit trees, resistant to a changeable climate with sudden changes in temperature. Vegetable crops are shade-tolerant, with a lack of sunlight they give a rich harvest.
The company interacts with foreign colleagues, exchanging experience and modern breeding technologies. Monitoring of seed germination and characteristics of varietal qualities are constantly carried out. It operates its own nursery, which breeds aquatic, bulbous and herbaceous plants.
The agrofirm offers the consumer garden tools, greenhouses and greenhouses, scientific literature on vegetable growing and horticulture. Products can be purchased wholesale and retail. It is possible to place an order on the company's website. For wholesale buyers there is a special system of discounts and gifts.
The list of agricultural companies in Russia is constantly changing and supplementing. New producers of seeds and planting material are entering the market. Companies are developing, modernizing, interacting with foreign colleagues, exchanging experience. In the face of fierce competition, seed producers improve the characteristics of varieties, breeding resistant and hardy hybrids of vegetables, flowers, trees and shrubs.
Choosing seeds for seedlings - video
They are all different sizes, colors and shapes. Seeds are plant embryos with an initial supply of nutrients. Plants spend a lot of time and resources growing each seed and infusing them with high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, proteins, essential oils, and temporarily inactive enzymes. If you're looking for something healthy, satisfying, and highly nutritious to snack on, seeds are unbeatable. Below is a list of the most useful seeds and how to use them.
The seed is life. Living food. Raw seeds are very nutritious. Most of the calories a person gets from edible seeds or grains, such as legumes or nuts. Seeds are a source of vegetable oils, beverages, spices and healthy food supplements. Depending on the type of seed, either the embryonic part or the endosperm (storage tissue; approx. mixstuff.ru) will be the most nutrient-rich. The proteins stored in the embryonic tissue and in the endosperm differ in the set of amino acids and in their properties.
How to use:
The only way to get the most out of seeds is to eat them raw. Heat treatment leads to the formation of toxins, and vitamins, minerals and essential oils are denatured. Roasted seeds are no longer living food. No seeds in the world can withstand heat and frying while retaining their nutritional properties. It is always worth remembering that you need to eat seeds in their natural state - raw. They can be soaked, ground and crushed, especially if the seed coat is too hard for the teeth.
It is worth choosing raw and unsalted seeds.
Fried and glazed seeds should be avoided.
You don't have to eat them candied.
The most useful seeds:
chia seeds
Consider the following facts about Chia seeds:
- 2.5 times more protein than beans;
- Antioxidants 3 times more than in blueberries;
- 3 times more iron than spinach;
- 6 times more calcium than milk;
- 7 times more vitamin C than oranges;
- 8 times more omega-3 than salmon;
- 10 times more fiber than rice;
- 15 times more magnesium than broccoli.
Chia seeds are traditionally eaten in Mexico, the US Southwest, and parts of Latin America. Chia was the most important culture of the Aztecs. Jesuit chroniclers claim that it was third in their diet after corn and beans, ahead of amaranth.
The flour from the toasted seeds is used to make nutritious drinks. Oatmeal from them, mixed with water and pepper, is stored for a long time, is highly nutritious and quenches thirst well. The seed oil dries quickly and is used to make paints.
hemp seed
More and more people are discovering the nutritional benefits of hemp seeds.
Hemp contains:
All 20 amino acids, including 9 essential amino acids (EAAs) that our body cannot produce.
- A high percentage of protein from simple proteins that strengthen the immune system and remove toxins.
- Eating hemp seeds in any form can help those suffering from immune deficiency diseases. This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seeds have been used to treat nutritional deficiencies in tuberculosis. This disease blocks nutrients, causing the body to waste away.3
- It is a huge natural source of essential fatty acids, more than in flax seeds or any other oily crop.
- An ideal source of omega-6 and omega-3 linolenic acid - for cardiovascular health and overall strengthening of the immune systems.
- An excellent vegetarian source of protein that is easy to digest.
- A rich source of phytonutrients - a protective element of plants, capable of strengthening the immune system, protecting blood, tissue cells of internal organs and skin.
- The richest known source of polyunsaturated fatty acids.
pomegranate seeds
Pomegranate seeds are rich in antioxidants. These substances protect body cells from free radicals and prevent premature aging. In other words, pomegranate juice "pumps" the blood with oxygen. Antioxidants not only fight free radicals, but also prevent blood clots. This improves blood flow and enriches the blood with oxygen.
Pomegranate seeds are especially rich in polyphenols. It is a type of antioxidant that reduces the risk of cancer and heart disease. Pomegranate juice, due to its beneficial tannins, anthocyanins and ellagic acid, has a much stronger antioxidant effect than green tea and red wine. The seeds of pomegranate seeds, covered with a juicy shell, are edible. Grains are rich in vitamin C and potassium, they are low in calories (only 80 kcal per serving, a third less than most fruits) and rich in fiber.
The antioxidant properties of pomegranate seeds help prevent low-density lipoprotein oxidation. This prevents the narrowing of the walls of blood vessels by fatty deposits and maintains the saturation of the blood with antioxidants.
Researcher Claudio Napoli of the Neapolitan Medical Institute says: "In mice fed with pomegranate juice, atherosclerosis progressed at least 30 percent more slowly."
Pomegranate is also useful for the skeletal system - it reduces the manifestations of arthritis in the affected cartilage tissues. This fruit reduces the intensity of inflammation and prevents the destruction of cartilage by enzymes.
Flax seeds
The dietary fiber in flaxseeds lowers blood lipids and regulates appetite. According to scientists from the University of Copenhagen, flax seeds reduce hunger and help fight excess weight.
Flax has been cultivated for centuries, and its benefits are well known. Hippocrates described the use of flax to relieve stomach pains, and the French emperor Charles I the Great was so fond of flaxseeds that he issued a special decree on their widespread use.
The beneficial properties of flaxseeds are made up of their saturation with linolenic acid, a high content of dietary fiber and an abundance of lignans (plant phenolic compounds - antioxidants; approx. mixednews.ru).
Essential linolenic acid is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. It reduces the production of inflammatory agents and reduces blood levels of C-reactive protein, an indicator of inflammation. The combined action of linolenic acid and lignans inhibits tumor growth in animals and may reduce the risk of cancer in humans.
Lignans are phytoestrogens and have properties similar to estrogen (female sex hormone; approx.). They have antioxidant properties. Phytoestrogens help stabilize hormone levels, relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and menopause, and may help prevent breast and prostate cancer.
The dietary fiber in flax seeds supports normal bowel function. One tablespoon of whole flaxseeds contains as much fiber as half a cup of oat bran. Soluble fiber reduces blood cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Ground flax seeds are healthier than whole ones. The seeds can be ground in a coffee grinder or blender and added to cereals, baked goods, and smoothies.
Pumpkin seeds
These are the only seeds that form the alkaline indicators of the blood. This is important, given that most modern diets form an acidic environment.
Pumpkin seeds are rich in proteins. One hundred grams of these seeds provide 54 percent of the daily value of proteins.
Many people take vitamins to make up for the deficiency of B vitamins. Pumpkin seeds can successfully replace synthetic drugs in this. These seeds contain all the B vitamins - thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (nicotinic acid), pantothenic acid, pyridoxine (B6) and folic acid salts.
For people in a bad mood, pumpkin seeds can help cope with depression. The ingredient L-Tryptophan helps lift your spirits.
Regular consumption of pumpkin seeds can prevent the formation of kidney stones. Studies have shown that pumpkin seeds prevent the formation of kidney stones from calcium oxalate.
Apricot kernels are no less nutritious than various nuts and seeds. Among other components, the core contains amygdalin, another name for it is vitamin B17. This substance attacks cancer cells and can prevent the tumor from spreading. Amygdalin can be found in hundreds various products, but they are not present in a diet with a predominance of semi-finished products and fast food. People with a more balanced and traditional ( National cuisine) diets are less at risk of developing cancer, including due to foods high in vitamin B17 (amygdalin).
In addition to apricot kernels, amygdalin is found in bitter almonds. It is amygdalin that gives it a bitter taste. Therefore, if the apricot kernel does not have a bitter taste, then there is no vitamin B17 in it. Amygdalin is found in apple and grape seeds, millet, horticultural beans, various berries, cassava, and many other seeds, grains, cereals, and legumes. The exception is hybrid varieties.
Speaking of disease prevention, it is worth paying attention to the words of the doctor Ernst Krebbs, Jr., the inventor of the drug "Laetrile" (concentrated amygdalin). According to him, a person who consumes ten to twelve apricot kernels daily will almost certainly not get cancer even in the case of exposure close to the background in the area of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.
Sesame seeds
Sesame seeds are one of the oldest spices known to mankind. They are valued for their oil content, which keeps very well.
Sesame is valuable as a good source of manganese and copper. It is rich in calcium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus. Sesame seeds are rich in vitamin B1, zinc and dietary fiber. In addition to the above, sesame contains two unique substances - sesamin and sesamolin. Both are lignans. These substances lower blood cholesterol levels in humans. In animals, they prevent an increase in blood pressure and increase the saturation of tissues with vitamin E. Sesamin prevents damage to liver cells by antioxidants.
Sunflower seeds
These seeds are an excellent source of natural fat-soluble antioxidant - vitamin E. Vitamin E neutralizes free radicals. This prevents damage to fatty molecular structures - cell membranes, brain cells and cholesterol.
Sunflower seeds are very rich in phytosterol. This substance is similar in structure to cholesterol. Consumed in moderation, phytosterol lowers blood cholesterol levels. This enhances the immune response mechanism and reduces the risk of developing certain forms of cancer.
Sunflower seeds are rich in magnesium. There is research evidence that magnesium relieves the symptoms of bronchial asthma, lowers blood pressure, prevents migraine pain and the development of heart attacks and strokes.
cumin seeds
Cumin has been used since ancient times. Its healing properties have been used for hundreds of years.
Cumin is useful in digestive disorders. It has antiseptic properties. Cumin seeds are rich in iron and improve liver function.
Cumin helps relieve the symptoms of a cold. If you experience a sore throat, it is recommended to drink caraway water with the addition of dry ginger, this will soothe the perspiration.
Caraway juice is very tonic. There is evidence that it slightly raises body temperature, boosting metabolism.
Cumin favorably affects the hepatic and renal functions, stimulates the immune system.
grape seeds
Grape seeds are rich in vitamin E, flavonoids, linolenic acid and polyphenols.
Grape seed extract can prevent the occurrence of cardiovascular problems: high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels in the blood. Phenols limit the oxidation of fats, thereby preventing the appearance of blood clots and reducing the intensity of inflammatory processes.
In experiments on norovirus surrogates, grape seed extract reduced its invasive ability.
What plants have seeds, you will learn from this article.
What plants have seeds?
Seeds have all plants belonging to the department Gymnosperms and Angiosperms. These are legumes, pumpkin, cereals, flowers, conifers, etc.
What are seeds?
A seed plant is called a seed. And, as a rule, they are in flowering plants, and are formed from the ovule. The seed is formed inside the fruit and is attached to its wall by a seed stalk. Signs of a ripe seed are the presence of an embryo, storage tissue and seed coat. Almost all plants have seeds, except for ferns and mosses - they have spores.
What is the importance of seeds in plant life?
Seeds for plants are of great importance, because with the help of seeds they settle in different territories and multiply. Most seeds are dispersed by the wind, such as pine, birch and dandelion seeds, others are carried by wild animals, such as oak, hazel seeds.
Humans also play an important role in the distribution of angiosperms. It transports seeds all over the planet, contributing to the expansion of their range.
Seeds can remain viable for a long time, but not more than 10 years.
What are the advantages of plants with large seeds?
Where is the quality here? And besides, only high-quality seeds can guarantee, if not phenomenal, then at least simply good harvest. But good seeds in a specialized store are very expensive, you object. I even try to agree with you, but ...
Before going to the market for seeds and seedlings (where they are certainly cheaper), it is worth considering whether you will find exactly what you want there. Believe me, no one will give a 100% guarantee that the seeds or seedlings you buy really correspond to the variety declared by the seller. And if suddenly after a couple of months it turns out that instead of a weighty pink giant, your bush was decorated with a bunch of bright red cherry tomatoes, there will be no one to complain to. This time.
And the second. Experienced gardeners (and flower growers) do not often purchase seeds - they prefer to use their own, collected from proven varieties. You have to go to the store either for some completely new variety, or for a hybrid. By the way, every person more or less knowledgeable in agronomy knows that all crops are varietal and hybrid. Although not everyone knows what is the difference between a variety and a hybrid. And even experienced gardeners (not to mention beginners) often have a very vague idea that seeds are divided into categories. Which? It depends on how many stages of reproduction the seeds went through before they hit the store counter.
Types of seeds
So, the seeds are divided into three categories:
- original,
- elite (seeds of the elite),
- reproductive.
The original ones are the seeds of the first stage of reproduction. They are the standard of varietal purity, the progenitors of all other generations of seeds of any variety. Previously, they were called the super-elite. Now this term is not officially used in the field of seed production.
Original seeds are produced by originators or persons authorized by them. The originator of a plant variety may be a natural or entity which has created, bred or identified a plant variety and ensures its conservation. One or more originators may be registered for a variety. Both a Russian and a foreign person can be registered as the originator of a variety of foreign selection.
Currently, about 1000 originators are registered in Russia. Among them, the lion's share is occupied by research institutions. In addition, the originators are large agricultural firms (including foreign ones) and private individuals.
Elite are the seeds obtained from the original. The number of their generations is determined by the originator of the variety. Generations of the elite are denoted by the symbol S followed by a number. For example, S1 is the first generation from the elite, S2 is the generation from S1, and so on. The quality of S1 is higher than the quality of generation S2. Sometimes, but very rarely, elite seeds can be found in retail, and for agricultural enterprises and farmers it is not a problem to purchase them from originators. It's all about the price. Elite seeds serve as a source for the production of seeds of the next and last category.
Reproductive are the seeds of subsequent generations after the elite ones. We buy them for use on our sites. By the way, hybrid seeds of the first (and, by the way, last) generation are also reproductive. They are designated as F1.
The fact that reproduction seeds belong to the third, lowest category does not mean at all that they retain their varietal qualities to a much lesser extent than the original and elite ones. There is a difference, of course. Rather, there is a certain downward tolerance for controlled characteristics. Reproductive seeds, as well as original and elite ones, pass all the prescribed types of control and tests for compliance with the original variety.
It all depends on the manufacturer. If he reproduced (copied, reproduced) seeds with varietal and sowing qualities not lower than those of the original or elite, then honor and praise be to him. Although their category will still remain the same - reproduction. If, however, "meets" the requirements for reproduction, then this is the norm. But in the case when a batch of seeds did not pass the test due to poor quality, then this is a disaster. Trouble for the manufacturer. Because he has no right to implement them. And if he realized it, then it’s a disaster for a summer resident-loser who will waste his money, effort and time.
Unfortunately, the experience of many gardeners shows that even the most seemingly serious manufacturing companies (they are in different regions our vast country is different) on the issue of seed quality year after year is not necessary. It is best to purchase seeds in company stores producing gels. Well, if this is not possible, take seeds from different companies for insurance - some will sprout.
With the development of private entrepreneurship, many entrepreneurs who have nothing to do with agricultural production have come into the seed business. Therefore, it is not uncommon for seeds purchased from individuals to be dissimilar, or instead of one variety, the buyer receives completely different ones. If you do not want to make a mistake when buying seeds, remember the following simple conditions.
Legal entities and individuals selling seeds must have:
- patent for the right to produce and sell seeds;
- seed quality certificate with data on germination, purity and other indicators. This document should reflect the name of the manufacturer or sales agent, the name of crops, varieties and hybrids, reproduction (generation), crop year, germination (%), purity (%), number and date of the quality document, name of the seed inspection that issued quality document.
The bag of seeds should be labeled: the name and address of the organization, crop, variety, seed weight (or number of pieces).
Seed storage
Good seeds are the key to a high yield of vegetables. You need to take care of purchasing seeds in advance. But it should be remembered that the duration of storage of seeds of vegetable crops is different: cucumber seeds, if stored at a temperature not lower than 15o, do not lose their germination for up to ten years; in seeds of watermelon, melon, pumpkin, germination does not decrease within 4-6 years; in the 3-4th year, the sowing qualities of eggplant, cabbage, and lettuce seeds deteriorate. Onion seeds remain viable for no more than 2 years, so not all seeds should be bought for future use.
Seeds should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated, heated room at a temperature of 7-10 *. For storage, gauze or cloth bags are best suited, in extreme cases - paper bags. Do not store seeds in plastic bags, as they can suffocate and lose their germination.
Seed Quality Check
A preliminary assessment of the quality of seeds can be carried out visually - according to external signs: they must be full, not shriveled (except for peas and corn), and the color must be characteristic of this crop. In addition, fresh seeds are brightly colored, while old ones are dull.
Seeds may have a certain smell, for example, seeds of carrots, dill and parsley have a strong specific smell; if it is absent, most likely these seeds are of poor quality. Also unsuitable are those seeds that have a putrid odor. Good seeds can be recognized by touch: benign seeds feel cool and slightly damp, old seeds feel dry and warm.
When buying seeds, you must carefully read the characteristics and characteristics of the variety, the manufacturer's instructions. Why, say, buy seeds of late tomatoes if you do not have a greenhouse, and the summer in your region is very short? Of course, tomatoes can be ripened, but is their taste comparable to red beauties that have just been taken from the bush?
When there is time, opportunity and desire, you can experiment with different varieties of different crops. But if one of the above is not enough, for example, time, it is better to cultivate one - a proven and reliable variety. The technology of growing one variety is easy to study and bring to perfection, which means that you should always be with the harvest. And with a couple of other varieties, you can experiment.
That's when proven and reliable varieties appear, there is no need to purchase these very seeds in a store or on the market. With an experienced eye, the gardener marks in advance (and necessarily marks) the best fruits that have all the necessary varietal qualities. And only after these "isolated" fully mature, it will be possible to extract fully ripened seeds from them. This must be done on a dry and sunny day. The seeds are then dried, laid out in bags (do not forget to sign them!) And stored until spring sowing at a temperature of 10-15 degrees.
Hybrids have become increasingly popular among vegetable growers in recent years. In a seed store, you can easily recognize them by the letter F (the initial letter of the Latin word for “children” in translation). The number next to it indicates the generation. In hybrids, it is the first and only. Plants marked F1 usually outperform parent varieties in terms of yield, early maturity, disease resistance, hardiness and other indicators. This phenomenon is called heterosis, and hybrids are called heterosis. It’s behind them, hybrid, that is, heterotic, that you have to go to the store every year, because it’s useless to collect seeds from them at home, because already in the second generation there is no trace of all the excellent qualities of the hybrid. During home breeding, splitting into paternal and maternal lines occurs. You will get a harvest, but the fruits will be of different shapes, different colors, different characteristics.
Such seeds are each time obtained anew in breeding research institutions or specialized farms, crossing maternal and paternal varieties or lines. This is a very complex and time-consuming process, so the seeds are more expensive than conventional varietal ones.
So what is more reliable - copta or hybrids?
Hybrids have their advantages, but they appear, as a rule, subject to a special growing technology. The varieties are less whimsical, resistant to many diseases, grow normally and give a good harvest without film coatings in many regions of the post-Soviet space. You need to choose what suits you best. But most importantly, we must not forget that both varieties and hybrids, in terms of their biological characteristics, must correspond to the growing area. Try to grow zoned varieties - they are more adapted to local conditions. In their “own” area, they give the best results in terms of yield, fruit quality, fruiting regularity, and disease resistance.
And the last thing (in this chapter, of course) that you definitely need to know about seedlings. According to the timing of growing seedlings can be divided into three groups: early, middle and late. I note right away that the terms in brackets are acceptable for Central Russia.
Early seedlings (sowing seeds from February 10 to March 10) - pepper, eggplant, greenhouse tomato, early cabbage and cauliflower, celery root, leek, artichoke and other vegetable crops. When growing seedlings in such an early, almost still winter period, it is important to provide the plants with not only the optimum temperature, but also illumination. Early seedlings can be grown on window sills, heated balconies and verandas. Greenhouses on biofuel or heated greenhouses are used for this purpose.
Medium seedlings (sowing seeds from March 15 to April 10) - mid-season varieties of white cabbage, tomato, pepper, eggplant, cucumbers, zucchini, watermelons, melons, onion. broccoli, kohlrabi, red, cauliflower, Beijing, Brussels sprouts, table beets.
Medium seedlings are grown in film greenhouses with emergency heating, which allows maintaining the optimum temperature at night and on some cold days. You can use film greenhouses or shelters using biofuels (manure with straw and other organic materials) to heat the soil. But with a decrease in air temperature, these structures require additional shelter with burlap or other heat-saving materials.
Late seedlings (sowing seeds from April 25 to May 20) - late-ripening varieties of white cabbage, cauliflower, cucumbers, zucchini, squash, pumpkins, asparagus, rhubarb and other crops.
Late seedlings are grown in film greenhouses, greenhouses. For growing seedlings of cabbage, asparagus, rhubarb, you can use cold nurseries, that is, plots of land well protected from northern winds, with fertile soil.
Quite by accident, but at the same time very symbolically, the first chapter ended with words about fertile soil. For the next chapter will be devoted to the soil.
Every plant starts with a seed. The whole life of one plant is concentrated in this small lump, which will grow, develop and give birth. But nature concluded that not all seeds are able to give a sprout, which then turns into a flower or some kind.
In the markets and stores, you can now find a lot of seeds that differ in the color of the packages, names and varieties. Among this variety, it is easy to fall for low-quality goods, which scammers just as deftly put on the shelves as other goods. But they often give themselves away with their heads, carefully enough and what is applied to it.
Unfamiliar seed names
Complicated and incomprehensible names should prompt you to search in books or the Internet. Fortunately, there is no shortage of it now. Fraudsters often closely monitor market demand and understand what is best to offer and how to call it in order to attract a buyer. As a result, it turns out that some plant with a beautiful name does not exist at all in nature and has never been bred. Seeds in such bags belong to an unknown plant and often simply do not hatch.
Checking the name is always easy. There is a special State Register, which contains all breeding achievements. Before the plant is listed there, it will be tested for two years in all corners of our country, after which it will be included in the list. So if you did not find the name in the State Register, then it simply does not exist, and you have an illegal product in front of you.
The name of the manufacturer is also important. If you have never heard some name from the packaging, again we look into the State Register and check the presence of this company in it. In the end, you can search for a company on the Internet and find out what its history is and whether it is responsible for its products. And does it exist at all.
Attention to numbers
It often happens that the number of seeds sealed in a bag, the batch number and the expiration date are printed in type on the package. In this case, feel free to refuse the purchase - in front of you is a fake. On legal products, all these numbers are applied only with a stamp. Everything is logical - no one will write the expiration date, the number of seeds and the batch number in advance when preparing the packaging. All this is affixed directly in the process of filling the package with a stamp. Fraudulent firms do not have special equipment for packing seeds, and therefore all information is printed only by printing.
The rustling sound coming from the bag while shaking should set you in a positive mood. If it is not there, most likely the seeds stuck together and lost their ability to germinate or dampened and rotted. Quality seeds are always easy to sprinkle and rattle like a rattle.
It happens that with high-quality packaging, defects are still found inside. It is not at all necessary to plant a trial batch of seeds, however, it will still be necessary to violate the integrity of the bag.
When opening the package, you will need to turn on all the senses. Smell, listen and look. It is clear that no smell of dampness and rot should come from fresh seeds. They should have a characteristic aroma for a given plant, which slowly disappears as it approaches the same deadline for the end of the sale. Larvae, in principle, can not serve as an excuse for bad appearance Seeds shouldn't be like this. Of course, cracks and irregularities in shape should also be absent. Usually their presence indicates that the seeds were picked immature or had time to wet. Or maybe they are even infected.
Turn on touch
By touch, it is also easy to determine high-quality seeds and low-quality ones. Fresh seeds are slightly cool, while old seeds are slightly warm. If there are few bad seeds, you can simply remove them, and with them the samples that are hollow inside.
There are a couple of ways to help test seed germination. One of them is to electrify some object, at least by rubbing it against the hair, and then bring it to the seeds. Hollow samples will immediately stick to it, while whole, capable of seedlings, will remain lying in place. This method only works with small seeds. Large ones are enough to fill with water and see how they behave for five minutes. The hollow seeds will float to the top, while the whole ones will lie at the bottom.
Big promises (Video "How to choose seeds")
Sometimes scammers promise an unprecedented harvest on the package, which is hard to imagine, having some experience in growing plants. This is an occasion to think about the legality of products. It is unlikely that these seeds will give the same result declared by the manufacturer. If it turns out to be exactly the plant that is indicated on the package.
Interestingly, some manufacturers adopted the experience of foreign colleagues and began to color the seeds in different colors. This is a real sign of quality, which can serve as a good guarantee that you will get a good harvest at the right time (for more reliable indicators that can be found on products, see the video).
In general, speaking objectively, it is difficult to expel scammers from the market for goods and services - they have settled down there too well and the law that should protect gardeners is too weak. However, representatives of any local Rosselkhoznadzor are your defenders and should come to the rescue on the first call. But still, the buyer and the gardener, first of all, need to rely on their attentiveness and literacy. Learn all the tricks of scammers, stay up to date with the latest events, and your knowledge and awareness in this topic will definitely help out at the right time.