Working with seeds — especially the small ones — isn’t for the faint of heart. Here at Seed Check, we take on the unique and often tricky task of testing tiny, sometimes temperamental seeds that play crucial roles in restoration, forage, and turf projects. It’s a blend of science, skill and a bit of patience. And while we might make it look easy, there’s a whole lot going on behind the scenes.
When we talk about “tiny seeds,” we mean the kind that would make most seed analysts do a double-take. These are the reclamation seeds, grasses and the like — specialty seeds that don’t often show up in the lab but, when they do, require an experienced eye. Testing these kinds of seeds takes a specialized approach, but after 22 years, we’ve got it down to an art. With these, you can’t rely on routine; every batch demands full attention and an intuitive touch that only experience brings.
The great part? For us, these projects are an everyday occurrence. Testing tiny seeds is a skill that’s become second nature for our team. New analysts get plenty of hands-on training, so even those fresh to the lab quickly become comfortable with the process. It’s all about sharing knowledge and keeping everyone confident, so the lab feels like a well-oiled machine no matter how complex the seed lot.
Purity testing, for example, can be a bit of a marathon; while a canola test might take less than an hour, one of these tiny seed batches can require a couple of days. Still, our crew is well-versed in what it takes and we thrive on getting each lot right.
It’s not just purity testing, either. Many of these species come with high dormancy, which means they can be reluctant to germinate. To tackle this, we rely on the tetrazolium (TZ) test. This quick viability test doesn’t just save time — it’s essential for dormancy-heavy seeds that might take years to sprout. Using TZ testing, we can reliably determine viability and provide results that customers depend on.
This time of year, the lab is buzzing with activity as we process lots of alfalfa and rye grass, mostly heading to U.S. markets. These shipments need timely, accurate results, which we’re proud to deliver, day in and day out. We want to ensure no shipments are left sitting at the border and because of that we’ve become experts at meeting export and import regulations.
Whether our clients are moving seed across the border or keeping it local, we make it our mission to provide quick, top-notch testing. We consider our new tagline ‘TINY SEEDS BIG RESULTS’ as more than just a catchy phrase. It’s a promise we uphold with every test, every day.
Working with these small seeds takes a unique blend of skill and dedication, but for us, it’s just what we do.
