The label

What must be on it

Updated October 2026

On this page8

Kind and variety The responsible person Germination, where required A lot number, over a pound Treatment disclosure, if treated How it may be presented Extra information is allowed References

A short list, and two items on it depend on the package rather than on the seed.

Kind and variety

The name of each kind and variety of seed, and where two or more kinds or varieties are present, the percentage of each. A hybrid component has to be designated as hybrid on the label, which is a separate requirement from naming it.

The responsible person

The name and address of the person who transports or delivers the seed for transportation in interstate commerce, or of the person it is sold or shipped to for resale together with an approved code designation identifying the shipper.

Germination, where required

The percentage of germination exclusive of hard seed, the percentage of hard seed if present, and the calendar month and year the test was completed. Required over a pound, and under a pound only where the seed is below standard.

A lot number, over a pound

Containers of more than one pound carry a lot number or other lot identification. Under a pound they do not, which is one more way the package weight changes the printed label.

Treatment disclosure, if treated

Any seed that has been treated is labeled in type no smaller than 8 point to indicate that it has been treated and to show the name of the substance or a description of the process. More statements are required where the substance remaining with the seed is harmful.

How it may be presented

Vegetable seed in packets and in larger containers is labeled with the required information in any form that is clearly legible. A tag has to be securely attached to the container, and treatment information may be printed conspicuously on a side or top.

Extra information is allowed

The label may carry information in addition to what the Act requires, provided it is not misleading. So growing advice and days to maturity are fine; anything that undercuts a required statement is not.

References

7 U.S.C. 1571, the Federal Seed Act’s prohibited acts. Subsection (b) sets the label content for vegetable seed by container weight and by whether germination meets the established standard; subsection (c) sets the five-month test window and lets the Secretary designate a longer period for seed "packaged in such container materials and under such other conditions" as will maintain viability. law.cornell.edu

7 CFR 201.25 and 201.30b. Vegetable seed in packets and larger containers is labeled with the required information in any form that is clearly legible, any tag securely attached, and additional information is allowed provided it is not misleading. Containers over 1 pound also carry a lot number or other lot identification. law.cornell.edu

7 CFR 201.31a, Labeling treated seed, which requires type no smaller than 8 point to indicate that the seed has been treated and to name the substance or process, with additional statements where the substance remaining with the seed is harmful to humans or other vertebrate animals. law.cornell.edu

Written from federal statute and regulation, not from a seed bench. Every state also runs its own seed law, and the Federal Seed Act reaches interstate commerce, so a local sale can answer to a different set of requirements. Nothing here certifies a package as hermetically sealed; that is a question about the package and the sealing process.