Are seeds Zone specific?

Tris 3/4/2013, 2:08 pm

Can I just get some burpee or whatever seeds from the local garden store or is it worth it to pay more for the bakers creek kind? How do I make sure the seeds I get are going to thrive in my weather?

Pollinator 3/4/2013, 3:31 pm

Tris wrote:Can I just get some burpee or whatever seeds from the local garden store or is it worth it to pay more for the bakers creek kind? How do I make sure the seeds I get are going to thrive in my weather?

Experience is one good teacher. Another is to watch what has done well for others in your area. Here are some tests we did a couple years ago for heat and disease tolerant tomatoes in the Southeast: http://gardensouth.org/2011/07/03/coastal-sc-tomato-trials/

**walshevak** 3/4/2013, 4:30 pm

Tris wrote:Can I just get some burpee or whatever seeds from the local garden store or is it worth it to pay more for the bakers creek kind? How do I make sure the seeds I get are going to thrive in my weather?

I've done both, including the 25 cent paks at Walmart. Kenyon Bailey has a selection of seed produced by a local NC grower. Tomatos are a bit picky about our hot, humid (even when not much rain) 100* summers.

Kay

**camprn** 3/4/2013, 4:55 pm

I would have to say that seeds are more season specific rather than regionally specific. Read the label instructions on the seed packet for specific planting information.
go to myfolia.com for more specific plant information.

quiltbea 3/4/2013, 5:10 pm

I buy from specific catalog sellers when I want something specific, hard to get, non-GMO, or truly Organic. Otherwise I even buy them for 4 or 5 packs for a dollar at the dollar store and Walmart (broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, nasturtiums, marigolds, herbs). I find that even the cheapies have good germination.
As long as you plant them the right time before or after last frost and the same for fall crops, it doesn't matter.

Hardcoir 3/4/2013, 6:39 pm

The Southern Exposure Seed Exchange catalog lists several varieties of seeds as being better for certain climates.

For instance, about the Ashley Cucumber, they note that it was developed by Clemson University in 1956 and is recommended for hot, humid areas such as the Southeast.

We love romaine lettuce, and we grow Jericho because it was bred for desert heat and thrives in hot Tennessee summers. Last year, we still harvested lettuce when the temperature topped 100 degrees for 5 consecutive days.

Check SESE out at www.southernexposure.com

**dvelten** 3/4/2013, 6:50 pm

Burpee is a national supplier that has to meet the demands of gardeners across the country. Regional specific suppliers such as Southern Exposure Seed Exchange (http://www.southernexposure.com/) in Virginia can tailor their offerings and advice to customers in their region. For example, SESE offers 20 varieties of okra while Burpee has 7. They have 18 varieties of cowpeas, as well as peanuts, sweet potatoes and other southern veggies. SESE understands the specific climate and cultural conditions of their region and can offer you advice tailored to your climate, while their seeds probably do not cost any more than packets of Burpee seeds bought at a big box store.

quiltbea 3/4/2013, 7:15 pm

I should have clarified my answer a bit.
There are certain Varieties within a crop that are specifically bred for tolerating more cold, more heat, more humidity which can help you when choosing for your specific area.

Tris 3/4/2013, 9:00 pm

Thank you! This was super helpful Very Happy

Unmutual 3/5/2013, 7:25 am

Your local Ag Center will have a cultivar list of veggies that have been tested to grow in your area:

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/quickref/vegetable/plantingguide.html

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