Seed packets

Fury161

Hi all

I'm a rather novice gardener trying to grow a variety of seeds this year.  My pack of rudbeckia toto gold had the seeds in a small plastic container rather than a little sealed inner packet. Is this usual?
The seeds also have some sort of coating on, I presume that's to help get them going?
Thanks!

philippasmith2

Most readily available seeds usually do come in a sealed packet which states both the harvest and a sow before date.
Some seeds are coated so not necessarily unusual.
If you are worried at all, best check with the seed supplier 

Fairygirl

I haven't seen that before, but I haven't bought any seeds yet this year.
I don't know what the reason would be - especially when most companies are trying to cut down on plastic items. 
Could be worth asking the supplier the reason, as @philippasmith2 says 

Fury161

Here's a photo of it.  I'll take your advice and ask the supplier 

Fairygirl

How unusual @Fury161
Worth asking. Maybe it's to do with splitting a large amount of seed up, and that's a convenient way of packaging?

Lyn

I’ve got several of those plastic containers,  they usually send small seeds in those, petunias for one which are like dust.
the coating is because the seeds are so tiny you probably wouldn’t see them without.
I’ve had people say that seed packets were empty,  the seeds are so fine they couldn’t see them. 

Fairygirl

Ah - that's the reason @Lyn. I don't often buy very small seed 

Lyn

You know me and seed growing,  thousands of them,  I always keep the plastic containers for storing seeds after I’ve dried them out. 

Fairygirl

Indeed @Lyn
I suppose I always think of using paper for storing seed. I often make some basic ones if I have nothing suitable. 
I don't sow anything like the quantity you do though - and never have! 

Lyn

I’m not doing it this year,  I need to concentrate on other gardening jobs that have been neglected for years,  I call them my Wildlife areas,  now I have more Wildlife areas than garden it’s time for a big tidy up.😀
I  will miss all the baskets and tubs though😢

Fairygirl

I know Lyn. A few pots near the house will be enough for you I expect. 
It isn't a pleasure if it starts to get too much work.