Seed
The goal of the Seed program is to enforce the Colorado Seed Act, which requires that the seed label, the germination, and purity content of the seed is accurate.
The program also inspects the seed to ensure that prohibited noxious weeds are eliminated and restricted noxious weeds are below a certain level per pound of seed.
Applying for a Seed License
Apply or renew your Seed registration through our online portal.
Once you have completed and signed your application, please send it to cda_nursery@state.co.us with the subject "Electronic Application" and include your contact phone number and preferred method of payment (electronic check, debit or credit card). Electronic payments are preferred and will expedite processing time.
If you need help, email us your contact information with the subject "Help - Electronic Application" and we will call you during business hours.
Inspections
CDA inspectors check labels on seed sold in retail stores for expired germination test dates and collect seed samples to send off for lab analysis to check accuracy and truth of labeling. Presence or sale of noxious weed seed is also monitored.
Labeling
Every container of seed sold, or offered or exposed for sale in Colorado must have a legible, plainly written label or tag in English on it. Labels must have information on them describing the:
- Name, kind of type of seed
- A germination test date or “packed for” date
- Name and address of the person who labeled the seed.
Noxious Weed seeds
Noxious weed seed is produced from plants that are especially troublesome and detrimental and which may cause damage or loss to a considerable portion of the land or livestock of a community. Learn more about noxious weeds.
There are two classes of noxious weed seed:
- Prohibited noxious weed seed: Seed of perennial, biennial, and annual weeds, which are highly detrimental and especially difficult to control. The presence of prohibited noxious weed seed precludes the sale of seed for propagation.
- Restricted noxious weed seed: Seed of weeds which are very objectionable in fields, lawns, and gardens but which can be controlled by good cultural practices. Restricted noxious weed seed is tolerated, as long as the percentage per pound present is stated on the label and is within in amounts allowed by rule (8 CCR 1203–6).