FAQ

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Where can I purchase Berton Seeds?
How long are the seeds good for?
If I don't plant all of my seeds the first year I buy them can I still plant
them the following year?
I planted my seeds but they did not grow. Why?
Does Berton seeds carry any products that are GMO?
Why are there more seeds in some packages and fewer in others?
Some packages have a warning on them stating, "Do not use seed for
food, feed or oil." What does this imply?
Can I purchase seeds in bulk quantities?

Note: Any questions that are related to ordering are addressed
in the Ordering Info section of this site.

    1. Where can I purchase Berton Seeds?

    Berton Seeds packages can be purchased through hardware stores,
    supermarkets and garden centres that we distribute our products to.
    To see if any of these stores are in your area click here.
    Alternatively you can purchase our seed packages through this site.
    Simply visit our online catalog.

2. How long are the seeds good for?

    All of our seed packages have an expiry date imprinted on the back
    side of the package. This date is valid as long as the seeds
    are stored under the proper conditions. For example, a cool, dry place
    such as a cellar is a good storage area. Just remember,
    HEAT AND HUMIDITY ARE A SEED'S WORST ENEMY!

3. If I don't plant all of my seeds the first year I buy them, can I still plant
them the following year?

Yes. As long as they as they are stored under the proper conditions
(ie. a cool dry place)

4. I planted my seeds but they did not grow. Why?

There are many factors that affect seed growth.

    Temperature: the single most important factor affecting seed germination
    is soil temperature. If the soil temperature is too low a seed will not
    be able to grow.

    Humidity: making sure the soil is kept moist after sowing is important.
    However, too much water can cause the seeds to become water-logged
    and rot.

Sunlight: an over abundance of sunlight can cause young seedlings
to "burn" and dry up.

    Fertilizers: While fertilizers provide a good base for seeds to grow
    it is important to remember not to over fertilize. In this case the
    "too much of a good thing" saying comes to mind. Use a good quality
    organic fertilizer and be sure to follow the directions.

    Pests (insects, rodents, birds): nothing is tastier to some birds as
    freshly sown seeds. Insects and rodents may also make a meal out of
    seeds or young seedlings.

    Soil conditions: some plants prefer acidic conditions. Others a more
    neutral soil pH. Knowing what conditions are appropriate is important.
    Soil fungicides may be required early in the spring if your garden is
    particularly damp and temperatures are cool.

Any combination of the factors mentioned above can contribute to how
well or poorly the seeds germinate.

5. Does Berton seeds carry any products that are GMO?

    GMO is an acronym that stands for genetically modified organism.
    None of the seeds we carry are GMO's.
    Berton Seeds does carry some hybrid varieties of seeds.
    Hybrids are a product of cross pollination between two or more plants
    from the same species. By crossing the plants certain qualities can be
    achieved such as disease tolerance, fruit uniformity, and seedless fruits.

6. Why are there more seeds in some packages and fewer in others?

Different varieties will have different amounts of seeds in their
respective packages. This difference is due to the price of the seeds.

7. Some packages have a warning on them stating, "Do not use seed for
food, feed or oil." What does this imply?

    The packages that bare this warning contain seeds that may have been
    treated with a fungicide/pesticide. The seeds themselves should not be
    consumed, however it is safe to plant them and eat whatever fruit is bared.

8. Can I purchase seeds in bulk quantities?

Yes. But this will depend if we stock the item you are looking for.
Please contact us for more information.