A plant seed comprises protective coating, a plant embryo and food storage tissue from which the flower or crop develops. The plant seed must go through pollination and fertilization before it fully grows. More than 250,000 plants grow from seeds, all of which require different planting, cultivating and dispersing methods. Additionally, most plant seeds require sunlight, warm temperatures, moist soil and water in order for them to grow.

Picking the right plant seed depends on whether you intend to grow and sell flowers or food. Lettuce, peppers, herbs, oranges and berries are among the varieties of vegetable and fruit seeds that you can have for your business. Also, find heirloom plant seeds to add to your inventory. Heirloom seeds go through an open pollination process that allows them to grow for several generations. Tomatoes, pumpkins and perennials are some examples of heirloom plants. Before getting started with plant seed handling and distribution:

1. Decide on the plant seed that you want to find depending on your production goals.

2. Locate a plant seed provider that features multiple plant seed varieties such as heirloom or organic.

3. Learn other plant seed information such as tools, equipment and accessories that boost plant seed growth.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Search for the right plant seed depending on production needs

Find plant seed applications for just about everything, whether it's grass, lilies, melons or beets.

I recommend: Bodger Seeds offers a plant seed catalog for flower varieties ranging from Baby's Breath to Sweet Peas. Find the perfect starter plant or vegetable plant seed from the plant seed list at Ball Seed.

Seek a plant seed provider with many options

Plant seeds are available in different sizes, and they usually come in bags or packets of hundreds of seeds.

I recommend: Smith & Hawken features easy-to-use flower, herb and vegetable seed kits at sale prices in its plant seed directory. Park Seed sells a plant seed for organic and hybrid perennials, as well as vegetables such as spinach and carrots.

Get the tools and accessories you need to cultivate the plant seed

While germinating a plant seed, keep in mind accessories or facilities that you may need, such as greenhouses, pruners, fertilizer and pest control solutions.

I recommend: Thompson & Morgan features products such as mini greenhouses and pruning kits. Look for cultivators, watering cans and garden seeders at Garden Harvest Supply. For industrial applications, Truax Seed Planting provides seed slingers, utility drills and more for plant seed placement in fields.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Plant seed providers and growers can also find success in the production of other foods. Wheat, oats, corn and rice start out as a plant seed before becoming cereals. Popular cooking oils, such as corn, sunflower and peanut, also begin as a plant seed.