SEED PRIMING

What is Seed Priming?

Seed priming is a seed treatment that takes the seed through a biochemical process that activates the initial stages of germination.

The priming process regulates the seed’s temperature and moisture content, bringing the seed closer to the point of germination.Seeds are then carefully dried to pause the process, before planting.

Priming of seed advances all of the seed to the same stage of maturity so that all seeds will emerge uniformly in the field.

When the primed seeds are planted, you are shortening the germination time and improving the uniformity of the crop upon emergence. One of the major impacts the priming process has on seed is the shelf life.

Because priming activates the germination process it also reduces the viable shelf life.

The exact shelf life will depend somewhat on the quality of the raw seed prior to the priming treatment but may be reduced to 6 months.

What are the Benefits of Seed Priming?

A faster speed of emergence is only one benefit of priming seed but there are several benefits of using primed seed.

Priming enables seed to germinate and emerge even under adverse climatic conditions such as cold and wet, or extreme heat.

Uniform emergence is another key benefit. If all plants emerge at the same time, they will likely reach harvest maturity at the same time.

A more uniform emergence will likely increase yields and make basic crop husbandry easier and more effective.

Priming also helps improve vigour for fast and healthy plant development.

How to store your primed seed?

At South Pacific Seeds, we air freight into New Zealand all of our primed seed on express delivery and this seed is stored in cooler boxes with ice.

This ensures the seed arrives in top condition for our customers. Our seed is then stored in a sealed fridge to reduce fluctuations in temperature.

We aim to ship primed seed to our customers at the start of the week to minimise delivery delays.

This seed is also packed in cooler boxes with ice. Once you receive your seed we strongly suggest you store this seed at 4 degrees Celsius and use your seed within 6 months of purchase. Keep an eye out for the logo on your seed packet.

Primed seed currently available