Seed Count, Weights & Germination

Our seeds are UN-patented, UN-treated and NON-gmo.

Many of our seed varieties are exclusive to Canadian Organic Seed Company because we breed, select and grow out our own specialties here on the farm in the City of Kawartha Lakes.

"Certified" organic seeds are not genetically modified, nor are they treated with fungicides or pesticides. Organic seeds are bred to perform in organic gardens with strong natural disease/pest resistance and drought/cold tolerance for climate change. Organic seeds are grown from plants in organically managed systems that focus on soil and plant health. Enhanced soil fertility is improved with natural fertilizers, cover crop residue and rotation  Soils are regenerated, plants thrive and the environment is protected. Healthy soils, healthy plants, healthy animals and healthy people.  We believe that organic seeds have a longer self life. 

Growing from seed allows a gardener to grow a wide variety of species with genetic diversity and possibilities. Seeds are biological magic!

Seed Count & weights:

Packets are sold by seed count or by weight. Extra seeds may be added due to an abundant seed harvest within that year. We pass along Mother Nature's abundance.

Some very rare species have naturally poor germination rates in nature and in this case we would add more seeds.

We strive to provide very fresh and healthy seed. Seeds are kept in a climate controlled and dry area while other seeds are refrigerated or stratified as in nature.

Germination of seeds:

Your seeds have been germination tested and found to meet or exceed the Federal standards. We will honor all reasonable requests for replacement or reimbursement due to poor germination. Let us know if you have concerns about any other plants or products from this website, and we will similarly honor all reasonable requests for replacement or reimbursement within 30 days of purchase with our receipt of your written notification.

Germination tips are given for specific species requirements for all individual varieties within this website.

Some factors to consider when germinating seeds:

• Know your plant species and genetic tenancies for natural germination. Meaning that some species germination rates can be naturally very low such as sycamore tree seeds which is less than 2% under dry conditions and as much as 95% under ideal/moist conditions .Corn seed can be 100% germination if the seed is healthy and fresh.
• Tips are provided on the site under the product description..
• Experience of the gardener sowing the seed. New gardeners tend to cover small seeds too much (bury light sensitive seeds), water too much (the seed may rot) or forget to water (dry out the seedlings). If you are a new gardener, it would be helpful to join a horticultural club or ask an experienced neighbour to help you on your gardening journey.
• Seeds should be started in pots with a seedling mix & then transplanted once the plants are large & strong enough to manage outside garden growing conditions. Seeds that are planted outside in the open garden soil may get eaten by mice, birds or even insects. That's just simply Mother Nature.
• Specific seeds require warm or cooler temperatures for germination. Not all seeds are created equal when it comes to germination. It is Mother Nature's way of survival through adaptation & timing. For example, poppies germinate in cool/moist conditions as opposed to tomato seeds that germinate in warm/moist conditions with temps of 20 C - 25 C.
• Seeds need to be fresh (within 6 months) or stratified (require chilling). Many perennial seeds require a chilling stage through our winters to break dormancy and sprout during the warm spring days of the following year. The gardener can trick these seeds by placing them in a moist paper towel in the fridge for a specific period of time, 4 weeks to 3 months depending on the species. 
• Other seeds require "age" before sowing (older than 1 year).
• Seeds such as peony species require a 3 stage cycle and can take 2 years to emerge once they go through a warm stage, cool stage & finally a warm stage to emerge the first leaf. Well worth the wait if you want  quantity or simply creating a new variety.

Most vegetable seeds are easy when sown in free draining soil in pots and placed in a warm sunny window. Water gently and regularly.

Start your seeds early inside a heated greenhouse, under growing lights or a sunny window to shorten the growing and maturing times, especially for those of you that live through the winter cycle in the northern hemisphere. Our farm is considered a zone 4 with at least 4 months of winter excluding the fall and spring. We start herb seeds in January, tomatoes & peppers in March and we start planting June 9th after all danger of frost. 

March to your own drummer, sow your seeds early as started transplants (seedlings) and plant out into the open garden when the time is favourable to warm soil and long summer days. Choose very short season varieties if you have a very short window of growing. Most vegetable and flower annuals like warm soil. Planting too early in cold soil will not grow your veggies faster, the soil must be warm.

Happy sowing, gardening and harvesting!