Grass Seed Labels
Thanks to the passage of the Federal Seed Act of 1936, grass-seed labeling must meet certain requirements. This allows you to know at a glance what is in any given box, including what percentage of the seed will germinate. When you shop for seed, it pays to compare brands closely and to remember the adage, "the lawn you grow is no better than the seed you buy". The extra expense for higher-quality seed is usually worth it. Check the labels and try to avoid mixtures containing lower-quality grasses, like timothy, meadow fescue, orchard grass, tall oatgrass, and annual ryegrass. Look also for cultivars recommended for your area by your Cooperative Extension Service.

While unused grass seed may remain viable for years, its rate of germination will decrease over time. Be sure to keep seed stored in a cool, dry environment. To maintain optimum viability, the rule of thumb for storage is that the temperature and the relative humidity added together should be less than 100.