Seed quality, testing and organic certification

Every batch we sell is tested before it is released. We sell our own house brand, Shaphira, alongside selected lines from partner growers.

How seeds are tested

Testing follows the ISTA International Rules for Seed Testing, so results are objective and comparable across the industry. Our producers run germination tests in professional laboratories, apply ISTA sampling and analysis methods, assess physical purity, and carry out field trials under real growing conditions.

Every batch is verified for four things:

• Germination rate and vigour — fast, even sprouting
• Physical purity — only the declared species and variety, free of inert matter and off-types
• Varietal authenticity — plants grow true to type
• Growing performance — validated in the field where relevant

A lot is released only once it meets specification. Key figures such as germination class appear on the product page where available. Batch-level test documents are kept for audit purposes and are not published.

Organic seeds

Our organic products carry the organic logo and are controlled by Skal Biocontrole under supplier certification number 014725.

No chemical pesticides or synthetic fertilisers are used. Fertilisation is entirely organic, plant- or animal-based, and the whole chain — growing, cleaning and packing — is audited for compliance.

Organic and conventional seed follow the same laboratory principles for germination and purity. Organic lots additionally have to meet EU organic rules, verified by an independent control body.

You can browse the organic range at seedschoice.com/collections/organic-seeds.

Why germination can still vary

A germination figure comes from controlled laboratory conditions. At home, temperature, sowing medium and watering all affect how many seeds come up and how fast. Following the sowing instructions on the packet makes the biggest difference.

If a packet has genuinely failed despite correct conditions, contact us with your order number, the variety, and a short description of how you sowed it.

Updated on: 25/08/2026