Hi there -

Pelleting a seed has nothing to do with trying to increase costs. It has everything to do with standardizing the size of the seed for increased efficiency in planting and handling within seeders. The coating also absorbs and splits open more consistently as moisture is applied, so seedlings emerge more uniformly, producing overall better germination results. The process of pelleting seed, i.e. the materials and the labor required to coat the seed does add some small incremental variable cost to the seed, but it is not done for the sake of increasing costs beyond what the market can bear. The seed is not significantly more expensive compared to is "natural" seed counterpart. In fact, a packet of unpelleted Cherokee Lettuce is $4.95 and its pelleted counterpart is $4.60 a packet, which is obviously not more expensive. This is true for other varieties as well. Now, when the number of seeds increases, the cost does increase a bit (and the cost depends on the individual variety and its cost structure), but for purely economic reasons stated above. If the market couldn't bear the cost of the seed, Johnny's wouldn't be selling it. Johnny's would go out of business and it would make no economical or common sense.

I quote from page 49 of Johnny's 2007 catalog:

"Pelleting improves the shape, size, and uniformity of raw (natural) lettuce seeds [also carrot and some flower seeds] for more accurate sowing by hand and machine. The pellets are made of inert materials and clay, which won't harm the seeds or the soil. As the pellets absorb moisture, they split open, allowing immediate access to oxygen for fast, uniform seedling emergence."

Pelleting does not guarantee or infer that you'll get better germination rates, only that germination will be more uniform and consistent. You should also be aware that the pelleting process decreases the shelf-life of the seed. The seed is perfectly fine for a planting season, but should not be saved or used for second and third seasons because germination rates will not be as good (unlike Johnny's "natural" seed which has excellent germinations rates for 2-3 years from purchase, and in some varieties longer). When purchasing pelleted seed, Johnny's recommends that you try to purchase only that which you'll need to produce the harvest you expect.

I hope this answers your questions. If you have any other terminology questions, feel free to call Johnny's toll-free at 1-877-564-6697 and speak with any of our customer service representatives. Unlike other companies, you'll always get a human voice on the phone and all our reps are well versed in gardening and growing.

Kind regards,
Alisa Keimel
Marketing & PR Manager
Johnny's Selected Seeds