What are Hardy Seeds?

Have you ever really wondered what are hardy seeds? Well, the answer to that question is both really simple, and rather difficult to answer at the same time. The simple answer is that a hardy seed is typically the seed to any hardy plant. The more difficult answer is that this isn't always the case. Here is a bit of extra information that you can use to better understand what hardy seeds are.

• Origin. The phrase hardy plant is one that first came about in England, and is used to describe or classify a very specific type of plant that has a relatively high tolerance to the cold. This tolerance for the cold is most particularly noted in the plant when they are first planted. Here in the United States, the term usually means the same thing. By simple logic, any the seed of any plant that can do well in the cold is going to be a hardy seed.
• Practical definition. In practical terms a hardy seed is one that can deal well with the cold, and still be viable. The cold can be experienced by the seed through storage means, or by natural means. For example, if you can plant the seed outside in the cold weather of the early spring, or very late fall, and it still leads to a plant growing, then you have a hardy seed.
• Types of plants. Some examples of hardy plants, which also happen to produce hardy seeds, are things like alyssum, dianthus, viola, alstromeria, campanula, and more. That being said, any plant that could also be classified as a semi-hardy should also be considered as well. Granted, you may need to take a few extra precautions, and even limit your planting to times that are warmer than with full hardy plants. That being said, you can still expand your growing season by including them in your planting plans.
• Storage. The simplest methods for storing your hardy seeds is the same methods that you would use for any other seeds. This means that you should keep the seeds in a location that is cool and dry, as well as dark. However, if you are only looking to store these particular type of seeds for later planting, around six months down the road, you may want to think about freezing them. If you do, make sure that you mark the name of the plant, and when they were first stored so that you don't forget about them.

Now that you know a little bit more about hardy seeds, you can begin using them a little more effectively. Keep in mind that one of the things that makes hardy seeds so attractive is that they are fairly effective in most, if not all, growing zones. As always, make sure that you do your research prior to purchasing or planting any seeds.