What is seed coating?
Seed coating is a process in which grass seed is enveloped in a moisture-enhancing barrier, often made of water-soluble synthetic and natural materials. This method aims to improve germination, yields, and cost-effective seed production.
The benefits of seed coating
Why adopt seed coating? It ensures seeds germinate better by helping them retain moisture, provides fuller lawn coverage at a lower cost, and keeps the product affordable even as climate changes impact crop production. The percentage of coating varies across the industry, tailoring to different needs and grass seeds.
Sunday’s approach to seed coating
What’s in Sunday’s seed coat?
Our natural, starch-based coating includes limestone and natural absorbent materials. It's designed to re-hydrate, supporting seed moisture needs during germination, then break down to nourish beneficial soil bacteria. At Sunday, we chose a specific seed coating, 'Moisture Boost Plus,' for its triple benefits:
Germination
The coating forms a protective barrier, enhancing moisture retention essential for seed germination.
Coverage
It enables comprehensive lawn coverage using less material, supporting high germination rates without compromising quality.
Price
The coating keeps our premium grass seeds affordable, an essential consideration as environmental factors increasingly affect crop yields.
What Sunday grass seeds are coated?
All of our signature grass seed blends are comprised of coated grass seed, including:
Our Bare Repair products are not coated.
Seeding coating FAQs
Switching to coated grass seed may prompt questions about quality, germination, and maintenance:
- Is germination yield or rate affected? Our seed varieties may vary annually, but they're always hand-selected for top quality, ensuring over the typical 80% germination—our standard is 85%.
- Do I still have to water the grass seed? While the addition of a seed coating helps hold moisture, it doesn’t replace it. You’ll still need to water correctly until germination to ensure your grass is successful.
- Is coated grass seed safe? Grass seeds are intended for the ground, not consumption! While our product is listed as non-toxic to animals, if your dog eats your grass seed, it's a good idea to contact your local veterinarian for how to proceed.
Cited sources
Seed Coating: A Tool for Delivering Beneficial Microbes to Agricultural Crops. PubMed Central, Frontiers in Plant Science.
Seed coating technology: An innovative and sustainable approach for improving seed quality and crop performance. Science Direct, Journal of the Saudi Society of Agricultural Sciences.
Sunday Grass Seed Safety Data Sheet. Sunday.
