Retrieve germination capacity test results
With a few exceptions, all lots in our range of goods are regularly tested for quality and germination capacity in our seed diagnostics department (flower mixtures, green manures and seed discs/seed tapes are not tested). You can find the current test results here.
If no germination capacity is displayed after entering the lot number, this seed lot is already out of stock. In this case, the indicated filling year can help you to determine the germination capacity.
Search lot number
Enter the 5- or 6-digit lot number into the search field above. The lot number is indicated either on the front or back of the seed bag as you can see below.
For professional growers: If the seed is calibrated or pelleted, please enter the corresponding letter after the lot number, S, M or L for calibration or E for pelleted seed.
Please note: For seed that you order directly from us, the current germination capacity, which we guarantee at the time of dispatch, is sometimes stated on the packet.
Where can I find the lot number?
Depending on the packet format, you will find the lot number either stamped on the back or printed on the front.
Where can I find the filling year?
You will find the year of filling, coded as a letter, next to or below the lot number. You can also estimate the probable germination capacity of your seeds based on the year of filling if they are stored correctly.
Letter coding of the filling years
These year codes defined by the Federal Plant Variety Office represent the following filling years:
W: 2023/2024
B: 2022/2023
G: 2021/2022
A: 2020/2021
Z: 2019/2020
R: 2018/2019
O: 2017/2018
L: 2016/2017
Germination capacity of species
Over 5 years
Over 5 years
Over 5 years |
Over 5 years
Over 5 years |
2 to 3 years
4 to 5 years
4 to 5 years
Over 5 years
3 to 4 years
4 to 5 years |
2 to 3 years
4 to 5 years
4 to 5 years |
Over 5 years
4 to 5 years |
4 to 5 years |
3 to 4 years |
4 to 5 years |
4 to 5 years
Over 5 years |
4 to 5 years
3 to 4 years
2 to 3 years
3 to 4 years
4 to 5 years
2 to 3 years
4 to 5 years |
a few months to max. 1 year |
4 to 5 years |
Over 5 years
4 to 5 years |
Over 5 years |
4 to 5 years |
Over 5 years
4 to 5 years
Over 5 years
4 to 5 years
4 to 5 years
Over 5 years
4 to 5 years
The information on maintaining germination capacity is based on our experience. Most of our seeds in Bingenheim are stored at a temperature of 16 °C and a humidity of approx. 35 %, while more sensitive varieties are stored at a temperature of 12 °C and a humidity of 30 %.
Good to know
Why can I not find a best-before date?
Seeds are living material and therefore have no defined expiry date. Depending on storage conditions, the plant species and the growing conditions during propagation, seeds can lose their vitality within a few months or maintain it for many years. We do not consider it sensible to state a best-before date on our seed bags, as we fear that otherwise good-for-use seed may be composted prematurely.
Instead, we offer you the option of retrieving the current germination capacity results from our diagnostics process using the lot number on the seed bag. If your seeds are stored properly, this result will give you a much better indication of their germination capacity than a less informative best-before date.