Raw (regular) seed.
This is seed that exists in its natural state, without any enhancement or treatment. All raw seed lots are cleaned and processed using multiple mechanical procedures to obtain highly pure, homogeneous seed products.
De-tailed (or cut) seed:
Seeds from which the tail has been removed by cutting. The smoother shape makes mechanical sowing easier, but less convenient than coated or pelleted seed. The most common example is Tagetes (marigold) seed.
Coated (or film-coated) seeds:
The seeds are coated with a thin layer of material. Dye is often added for better visibility. The seed shape and weight remain unchanged.
Pelleted seeds.
These seeds are covered with multiple layers of clay to improve their shape or size for mechanical sowing. They are often colored. They are primarily used for very small seeds (e.g., begonia).
Multi-pellet seeds.
Each pellet contains multiple seeds. This makes growing bushy plants easier (e.g., Lobelia, Portulaca).
Multi-type pills
Multiple types combined in one pill, specially selected by the breeder for mixed containers.
Primed seed.
The germination process is started and then stopped before the root breaks through. The seeds are then dried. Ensures faster and more uniform germination. Shorter shelf life (max. 6 months at 5 °C).
Enhanced Seed
Enhanced through a proprietary process for faster and more uniform germination (e.g. Echinacea).
Trademarks of other growers:
BeGreen (by Benary Samenzucht)
A seed treatment without chemicals or microplastics. May consist of coating, pelleting, priming, ApeX, or ApeX pelleting.
ApeX (by Benary Samenzucht)
A specific priming treatment that breaks dormancy. Ensures faster and more uniform germination. Increases young plant yields by up to 30%.
QIS = Quality in Seed (by Econ Seed)
Brand for carefully selected varieties that meet the high demands of the floriculture industry. Only the best quality seeds are supplied.
Precision™ Multi-seed pellet (by PanAmerican Seed)
Each seed is pelleted individually and then combined into a larger pellet. Ensures an exact number of seeds, even in multi-variety mixes.