Pelleted vs Raw Seed
Pelleting encases small, irregular seed (lettuce, carrot, onion, chicory, tobacco) in an inert clay or polymer coat so each unit is round, uniform and heavier — enabling singulated precision sowing at target spacing. Raw seed is cheaper per unit and stores longer, but sows less reliably in vacuum planters and cell trays.
| Criterion | Pelleted (Coated) Seed | Raw (Uncoated) Seed |
|---|---|---|
| Precision-planter fit | Excellent — uniform size & weight | Poor for small, light seed |
| Singulation in cell trays | One seed per cell | Requires over-seeding + thinning |
| Seed cost / unit | +30–100% vs raw | Baseline |
| Storage life | Shorter — coating hygroscopic | Longer under proper conditions |
| Germination under stress | May need more moisture to crack coat | Standard imbibition |
| Best crops | Lettuce, carrot, onion, chicory, endive, tobacco, flowers | Larger-seed crops, farm-scale sowing |
Pelleted (Coated) Seed
- Reliable singulation, no thinning labour
- Consistent stand and grade-out
- Compatible with vacuum precision seeders
- Higher seed cost
- Shorter shelf life (~1 season)
- Needs adequate soil moisture to break coat
Raw (Uncoated) Seed
- Lowest seed cost
- Longest storage life
- No moisture-sensitive coating
- Poor singulation for small seed
- Labour cost of thinning
- Variable stand uniformity
Choose pelleted seed for precision transplant production (lettuce, onion, carrot) and any singulated field-planting programme. Choose raw seed for larger-seed crops, farm-scale sowing, and any programme where storage carry-over matters.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does pelleted seed store?
Typically one season under cool, dry conditions. Pelleting shortens shelf life versus raw seed; order only what you can plant within the season.
Is pelleted seed organic-compliant?
Some pellet coatings are certified for organic use (clay-based, no synthetic binders). Confirm the coating specification with your certifier before ordering.
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