In general wildflower seed production in the European Union is not regulated and as a result seed quality can be inconsistent and producers of quality seed can find it difficult to gain recognition.

The Native Seed Technology laboratory offers expert seed testing to give an accurate analysis of seed quality, ensuring that the seed being produced, sold or used is of a high quality. In short, testing of wildflower and native seeds brings accountability and added value to the market place.

Our Services

Germination Testing

The germination test gives the most critical indication of seed quality. The Native Seed Technology laboratory tests your seeds and offers advice on the implications of the test result.

Testing of native species requires careful consideration of the phenology, dormancy and morphology of the particular species in question and in many cases there are no existing standardised testing protocols. All tests carried out at the Native Seed Technology laboratory are performed under controlled conditions using testing protocols for a very wide range of species. Assessment of the test is undertaken by our expert staff and test certificates are issued with a breakdown of results.

Purity Analysis and Seed Weight Determination

These tests are carried out where the percentage of pure seed in a lot is required or where seed weight is significant (for example in calculating sowing rates).

The Native Seed Technology laboratory will test your seed for analytical purity, reporting the percentage of pure seed, inert material and other seeds. We can also determine the 1000 seed weight to allow sowing rates to be calculated.

Viability Testing

The viability test, officially the Tetrazolium (or TZ) test allows analysis of seed viability without having to wait for germination test results (which for some species can take many weeks or months). The Tetrazolium test allows the seed scientist to stain the viable tissue within a seed and to assess the potential for germination. The viability test is particularly useful where an indication of seed quality is required quickly or where a species is new to cultivation or collection and so minimal seed quality research exists.

All tests are carried out in line with the International Seed Testing Association rules.