This is the first scholarly reference work to cover all the major scientific themes and facets of the subject of seeds. It outlines the latest fundamental biological knowledge about seeds, together with the principles of agricultural seed processing, storage and sowing, the food and industrial uses of seeds, and the roles of seeds in history, economies and cultures. With contributions from 110 expert authors worldwide, the editors have created 560 authoritative articles, illustrated with plentiful tables, figures, black-and-white and color photographs, suggested further reading matter and 670 supplementary definitions. The contents are alphabetically arranged and cross-referenced to connect related entries.

"Specific germination, scheduling, and growing recommendations for almost 400 seed-grown crops The fourth edition of the Ball Culture Guide has undergone a number of changes to enhance its value to the grower. Jim Nau provides in-depth germination and scheduling information for almost 400 of the most popular seed-grown crops. The Ball Culture Guide covers: Bedding plants, Potted flowering plants, Foliage plants, Cut flowers, Perennials, Herbs, Ornamental Grasses and Vegetables. This latest edition reaches beyond the confines of open flat sowing to provide growers with culture as it relates to plug production and even field sowing. Written in an easy-to-read chart style, the Ball Culture Guide lists production temperatures, transplanting schedules, lighting requirements, final garden height, and much more. The culture notes for each crop add even more information, such as flower color and size, propagation and growing-on tips, and differences in culture based on geographic region"--

Gives specific germination, scheduling, and growing recommendations for over 300 of the most popular seed-grown crops.

“Deftly showcases 600 unique species from across the globe and reveals the wonders of nature. . . . Recommended.” —Library Journal Seeds are nature’s consummate survivors. The next time you admire a field of waving green grassland or a stunning grove of acacia, stop to consider how it got that way—often against incredible odds. Seeds can survive freezing temperatures and drought. They can pass through our digestive systems without damage and weather a trip across the ocean, hitching a ride on marine debris. The Book of Seeds takes readers through six hundred of the world’s seed species, revealing their extraordinary beauty and rich diversity. Each page pairs a beautifully composed photo of a seed—life-size, and, in some cases, enlarged to display fine detail—with a short description, a map showing distribution, and information on conservation status. The whole spectrum of seeds is covered here. There are prolific species like corn and less widely distributed species, like the brilliant blue seeds of the traveler’s palm or the bird of paradise flower. There are tiny seeds and seeds weighing up to forty pounds. And while seeds in all their shapes, sizes, and colors grant us sustenance, there are even some we would be wise to treat with caution, such as the rosary pea, whose seeds are considered toxic. The essential guide to these complex plant creations, The Book of Seeds offers readers a rare, up-close look that will inspire scientists and nature lovers alike. “Handsome and handy.” —New York Times “A well-written primer on seed anatomy, evolution, and use, including conservation.” —Huntia