The classification of different types of seeds can be based on the shape of the seeds, the use of the seeds, or according to the plant that will grow out of the seed.
Seeds are very vital, because through them plants reproduce. However, some plants instead of producing seeds release spores for reproduction.
There are around a million different types of seeds, so division of a specific type of seed is a bit difficult. There are also some seeds which fall into more than one category, like sunflower beans, which are used for plantation purposes or used as bird seeds. Seeds are very significant to our lives, whether it is to growing cereals, herbs, fruits, vegetables, or using them for culinary purposes like using kidney beans for making enchiladas.
No matter which category the seed falls under, it is important to select healthy seeds to get the maximum benefits from the seeds. Given below are the two major categories of seeds; seeds used for plantation and seeds used for eating. Also, there are pictures of some attractive-looking seeds, which you can collect.
Types of Seeds for Plantation
With organic farming gaining popularity day-by-day, the planters are left with two choices: whether to go for genetically modified hybrid seeds or to opt for organic seeds to get an organic yield. In my opinion, organic seeds are a better choice, as they are more safe and natural. However, while selecting a particular type of seeds for sowing make sure the variety of seeds, whether organic or hybrid, has been used before and has given a healthy yield.
Seeds for Growing Cereal Plants
You can find these plant seeds for sowing at a farmers market, or order them online. Select good quality seeds to grow your cereals, and seek advice from the supplier for the care instructions. Some of the cereal plant seeds are bran, wheat, rice, corn, etc.
Seeds for Growing Fruit/Flower Plants
Fruit and flower seeds are easily available at a nursery; again make sure you select good quality fruit tree seeds, and select the variety of fruit you want to grow. For example, there are various varieties of apples, try to get your hands on the seeds that are native to your region. Some of fruit and flower plants grown using seeds are peaches, apricots, nectarines, roses, sunflower, etc.
Seeds for Growing Vegetables
Again, you can find seeds to grow vegetables or herb plants at your local nursery. Pick out healthy, non-bruised, and large seeds to get a healthy yield. Examples of easy-to-grow vegetables by using seeds are tomato, squash, beans, cucumbers, spinach, etc.
Seeds for Growing Grass
To grow beautiful grass you can buy seeds from online suppliers or at your local nursery. It is okay if you go with the quality grass seeds which are non-organic varieties, as grass is used only for decorative purpose.
Seeds for Growing Herbs
Herbs add great flavor to a recipe. Many people tend to keep a small herb garden near their kitchen. It is possible to grow herbs in small containers, and many herb plants don’t need much maintenance. Some examples of easy-to-grow herbs are parsley, mint, rosemary, sage, and chives.
Types of Edible Seeds
Some of the above types of seeds also fall in the edible seeds type, for example cereals, many fruits, and vegetable seeds are edible such as cucumber seeds and tomato seeds. Given below are the types of edible seeds used in the kitchen and the ones used to feed birds.
Seeds That Can Be Eaten Raw
Many seeds can be eaten raw, and can be found at a supermarket. Make sure you select a packet of good quality ones. Some examples of such seeds are: mung bean seeds, peanuts, radish, sunflower, clover, etc.
Seeds That Need to Be Cooked Before Eating
There are many seeds which need to be soaked for many hours. After some time these seeds sprout, and become edible. While some seeds are soaked for hours, and then cooked well for them to become edible. Some examples of such seeds are pinto, kidney beans, white kidney beans, green gram, soybeans, broccoli, etc.
Seeds That are Used for Making Beverages
There are some specific seeds which are not eaten, but used to make beverages. The most common example is of coffee beans. Coffee is one of the most popular beverage around the world and many prefer to grind these beans at home to make fresh coffee, rather than using the store-available powder. Similarly, chia seeds are used to make energy drink, while rose hips are used to make tea.
Seeds to Feed Birds
For feeding the birds there are various kinds of seeds used. However, certain bird seeds attract specific group of birds. The seeds used to feed birds are sunflower, millet, cracked corn, thistle, wheat, oats, etc.
Some Interesting-looking Seeds
Many people tend to collect seeds which are beautiful. Given below are pictures of some interesting seeds, some are in their pods, some have a hard shell, while some have a fuzzy cover on them. There are also few interesting seeds like that of the Chinese lantern plant which after drying gets a hollow, intricate-looking shell.
So no matter what type of seeds you are looking for, ensure you select the good quality seeds to get the best out of them.