Authored by Jaipi Sixbear in Gardening
Published on 12-18-2009
Garden seeds are classified according to how often they are planted, how they are grown and care requirements. Some seeds can be saved from season to season, while others have to be purchased new. Some different types of garden seeds are planted deeply, while others are planted directly on top of the ground. Different types of garden seeds are spread by nature, while others will need manual planting.
Collecting Seeds
Collecting different types of garden seeds at the end of the season can save a bundle in the spring. Some seeds cannot be re-grown, while others do perfectly well. When purchasing seeds or plants for the garden, try to buy mainly those that can be cultivated from saved seeds. You will find information on the seed packet or plant label that will help you sort this out.
Hybrid Seeds
Hybrid seeds are cultivated professionally. Packages containing hybrid seeds will be labeled accordingly. There is nothing wrong with growing from hybrid seeds. In fact, there are some different types of hybrid seeds that produce unique crops and flowers. As a general rule, hybrid seeds may not be saved and planted from year to year.
Heirloom Seeds
Heirloom seeds are often passed down through many generations. These are time tested seeds that may be saved and grown from one season to the next. Heirloom seeds can be purchased in packages, just like hybrid seeds. Different types of heirloom garden seeds can be saved and used many times over. Gardeners save seeds after the harvest to save money on seeds for the next planting.
Annual Seeds
In addition to heirloom and hybrid seeds there are other different classifications of garden seeds to consider. Seeds can be categorized in a variety of ways. One of those ways is by annual, perennial or biennial seeds. Annual seeds are those that require re-planting from year to year. These seeds will have to be purchased every year or saved from the last crop of the season to re-grow in the spring.
Perennial Seeds
Perennial seeds are different types of garden seeds that do not have to be re-planted each year. These seeds and bulbs can be planted once to come up every year thereafter. It is sometimes necessary to lift perennial bulbs at the end of the season and re-plant them in the spring. This is a good way to separate bulbs that have grown together and dispose of bad bulbs.
Biennial Seeds
Biennial seeds are different types of garden seeds that will survive just two years. These work well for gardeners who like to change their floral displays occasionally, but don’t wish to re-plant every year. Some biennials may last a third season in the right conditions but this is rare. Keeping biennials separate from perennials avoids confusion when lifting bulbs.
Self Propagating Seeds
This is a fourth category of seeds that some people lump in with perennials. That’s because, like perennials they will come up every year. The difference is that these seeds are spread by outside forces of nature, rather than within the confines of the plant itself. Wind can carry self propagating seeds to other parts of the garden and cause “surprise” plants to pop up in the wrong location.
When choosing different types of garden seeds, think about when, where and how you would like to plant them. Choose heirloom seeds to save money on planting. Annual seeds will have to be re-planted yearly. Biennial seeds will need re-planting every two years. Perennial seeds and bulbs will come up very year, with proper care and maintenance. Watch self propagating seeds carefully so they don’t spread to unwanted areas. Choose different types of garden seeds according to individual needs.
