Row by Row Episode 245: Are There Differences In Seeds?
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SHE'S BACK!! Tracey from Sakata Seeds is back at Hoss HQ for her annual Spring visit! Join us as we talk about garden updates, the difference between pelleted and primed seeds, what's going on in the tomato breeding world at Sakata, and much more. Let's Grow Together! Get Dirty!Primed vs. Pelleted Seeds
Primed seeds are easier to germinate and must be used the growing season they are purchased. We carry primed Red Snapper, Bella Rosa, and Shelby tomato seeds. Pelleted seeds are easier to handle (usually for small or irregularly shaped seeds). We carry pelleted Shelby, Bella Rosa, Red Snapper, and Hossinator tomato seeds, as well as pelleted carrot, lettuce, and celery seeds.What factors are important for Primed and Pelleted Seeds?
Watering is the most important factor with pelleted seeds. Watering is important because underwatering and overwatering alike can harm seed growth. Underwatering won’t allow for the coating on the pellets to wash off, but overwatering will cause the coating to stick to itself, and either way, the plant will not be oxygenated enough. Also important is air circulation. Using a fan to circulate air in your greenhouse can help keep plants healthy. Lastly, use your seeds during the year you purchased them or keep them COMPLETELY dry because any pre-exposure to moisture will degrade the coating on the seeds.Tomato Breeding at Sakata
Sakata takes great pride in their breeding programs, particularly with tomato seeds. They breed in Florida and test their seeds extensively throughout the United States. Breeds can take years, even over a decade sometimes, to be perfected. Sakata focuses primarily on adaptability to wherever you may be growing, as well as the yields and sizes of tomatoes. Currently, Sakata is developing new breeds that also focus heavily on great tasting tomatoes, making it the top priority behind adaptability and yields/size. In fact, Tracy will be in Florida very soon to taste tomatoes developed by Sakata.Tips from Tracy
- Don’t sucker determinants! Unless you’re training your plant or growing large indeterminates, don’t sucker your tomatoes, as Sakata designed their determinate tomato breeds to be easy to maintain and will only cause unnecessary work for yourself.
- If you’re looking for flavor over ease of growing, choose an indeterminate variety.
- The best tomatoes for ultra-small spaces like porches or balconies are our mini determinants, i.e. the Little Birdie tomatoes (Red Robin, Rosy Finch and Yellow Canary tomatoes).