What is a pelleted seed?

A pelleted seed is a seed that has been coated with a material to make it easier to handle and plant. This coating is usually made of clay or another inert material that is mixed with a small amount of fertilizer or fungicide. The result is a small, uniformly sized seed that is easy to sow, and which germinates quickly and reliably. Pelleted seeds are commonly used in commercial agriculture and horticulture, particularly for crops like lettuce, spinach, and carrot, which have small seeds that are difficult to handle. Pelleting can also improve seed storage and viability by protecting the seed from moisture, temperature changes, insects, and disease.