The Ball Seed Difference

Greenhouse Management: What makes seed from Ball Seed reliable?

John Steinlage: We put a lot of time and effort into seed sourcing and testing to make sure our varieties have uniform vigor and germination for annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs and cut flowers. We offer unique services like our proprietary Ball Vigor Index® (BVI) rating to identify the best seed lots for consistent growing performance and for use in automated seeding systems. With this index rating, growers can rely on uniform germination rate, height and size for a plug tray to finish together. It also indicates how many usable seedlings a grower can expect from a seed lot. Plus, we test it by growing it the way our customers will grow it, so they can be confident it will perform that same way in their greenhouse.

GM: Why should growers order seed from Ball Seed®?

Josh Kirschenbaum: Everything we do at Ball Seed is designed to deliver a better experience for growers who order from us. From the quality of our seed, to the breadth of our selection, to our testing, to the way we supply, store and ship our seed, we have designed our company to improve the customer experience. Just talk to our live customer service representatives, sales representatives, tech services experts, lab technicians. Everyone will agree that our focus at Ball Seed is on helping our customers succeed.

GM: How can growers be sure you’ll have the right seed for their needs?

JK: We can claim the largest product offering on the market, with the greatest depth of inventory. Ball Seed carries tens of thousands of innovative, trialed-and-proven varieties from 225+ top-notch seed and plug suppliers across North America. They have to meet rigorous standards for clean stock and reliable supply to partner with us. Plus, we offer live inventory and order tracking on WebTrack®, our online ordering system, so growers can accurately plan their production schedule.

GM: How does Ball Seed support quick and accurate seed delivery to growers?

JS: We offer same-day shipping on seed orders with an “in by 5, out by 7” policy. Order ahead or last minute — whatever you need, when you need it. Ball Seed has the largest product offering in seed with a dedicated plug supplier network, providing trucking to growers across North America with fast and efficient delivery spring, summer, fall or winter.

GM: What other benefits can growers expect from Ball Seed?

JS: We recently redesigned our seed packaging to improve functionality and efficiency for greenhouse growers. The packets feature an interactive 2D QR code that can be scanned with a smartphone or scanning device, taking customers to real-time information, like seed germination rate, BVI and material description, and it includes links to technical support and marketing resources.

We are also investing in infrastructure in West Chicago to ship seed faster, with more accuracy and increased efficiency. The improved storage conditions and higher capacity support a greater availability of seed, and the ability to ship it to our customers immediately.