Last updated on December 2nd, 2011
I rarely buy annual, perennial, or vegetable seeds from local vendors, because their selections, to be frank, are usually too skimpy for my taste. Take, for instance, petunia seeds. A big box garden center might offer 4 basic varieties. But visit an online seed specialist like Summerhill, and there you will find 55 kinds, including the delightfully fragrant ‘Shock Wave Rose,’ pictured up top. The following seed suppliers get most of my business:
Diane’s Flower Seeds. Diane Linsley offers open-pollinated, heirloom perennial, annual, and vegetable seeds. Seeds have been tested for germination. Her columbine collection is extraordinary; I bought several varieties, including the stunning, blue ‘Alpine.’
Summerhill Seeds. I already mentioned Summerhill’s petunias, but their hollyhocks are equally impressive. You can buy them in mixed or individual hues. I had to restrain myself with these, for I wanted them all. I settled for ‘Apple Blossom,’ a 7-foot variety with fully double, soft-pink blossoms.
Johnny’s Selected Seeds. You can have a field day on this site, too, whether you are looking for flowers or vegetables. I couldn’t resist Johnny’s lime-green variety of Love Lies Bleeding, nor his extra early, ‘Premium’ peas.
Pinetree Garden Seeds. If you need seeds at low, low prices by all means visit Pinetree. This is the place to buy seed potatoes, onions, artichokes, and bareroot raspberries and blueberries. Their online catalog is far from glitzy, but who cares? Packets of flower and vegetable seeds are all under $2.00.
Renee’s Garden. Love cottage gardens? So does Renee Shephard. I’ve already ordered her new-for-2010 double cosmos ‘Rose Bon Bon,’ with double-frilled petals in a rich, romantic pinkish-rose. Also delightful are her knee-high sweet peas, in mixed tones of salmon-rose and soft mid-blue, which grow to only three feet. Renee’s love for flowers and vegetables becomes obvious when you visit her website.
How about you? Who do you buy seeds from, and why?
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Samantha says
Thanks, Kevin, I hadn't heard of these three dealers. But I clicked on each of the links, and yes, I can see why you like them!
I've already dropped a chunk of change at Park Seeds, on both annuals and vegetables. They are a habit with me, as I order from them every year.
Tammy says
Good list, Kevin. I also love High Mowing Organic Seeds in VT — great source of non-GMO and heirloom varieties and I've had very good luck with the seeds from there for years (no one paid me to say this! – I'm just a fan of what they do).
Eric says
I've only purchased seeds locally. But after checking the links, I'm motivated to expand my horizons!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Samantha – I've ordered a number of gardening supplies from Park, including plant trays for my fluorescent set ups. They are certainly reliable.
Tammy – I just checked High Mowing. Beautiful website, and I instantly found three things I want: jasmine-scented nicotiana (great for winter-sowing); and Black Turtle and Calypso dried beans. Thanks for the tip!
Eric – Once you've tried the heirloom varieties and unique hybrids of the seed specialist…you never go back!
Justin says
I'm going to order my tomatoes from Totallytomato.com. You might want to check them out, Kevin. Holy cow – they have 60 open-pollinated heirloom varieties…and lots of hybrids, too.
Erin says
Kevin- Thank you! I just ordered more catalogs! I dont think my yard is big enough for all the beautiful plants I want! Renee's Garden web site is wonderful!!!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Justin – Totally Tomato is totally cool. Thanks for the heads-up.
Erin – Good for you! I think your yard, by mid summer, will be truly spectacular.
Randy J says
Kevin,
Select Seeds is a stand by of mine but I also like Seeds of Change and Seed Savers for seeds of Heirloom plants. I always try to buy only organic seeds but certainly when it comes to vegetables I will not buy anything else.
Seeds of Change sells only 100% organic seeds, and Seed Savers Exchange is a not-for-profit that is dedicated to keeping Heirloom plants available. They carry both Organic and non-Organic seeds.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Randy J – Thanks for the alerts!
I should have added Seeds of Change to my list — I have ordered from their before. Love how they package their seeds for longevity.
Seed Savers Exchange looks inviting, and I will give them a try. Their Himilayan Blue Poppy instantly drew my attention…looks like a “must-have” plant with great winter-sowing potential!
Brigid O'Brien says
Kevin, you are making me drool for spring.
GothamDan says
Thanks, Kevin. I used Vermont Wildflowers once. Great flowers, except the deer eat everything that isn't white or yellow.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Brigid – you are welcome!
GothamDan – I'll keep Vermont Wildflowers in my file. And remember, when you dwell in the country, must plant for your visitors, too!
Becky says
Hi Kevin, I was so happy to find your blog. We're past seed-buying season now, but I have to mention FEDCO cooperative here in Maine. They have wicked reasonable prices, excellent quality, and a good selection of open-pollenated seeds adapted to our climate. They also sell bulbs, trees, seed potatoes, and gardening supplies through different divisions. Their website is nothing spectacular, and their catalog is black-and-white newsprint, very opinionated, quirky, and full of information. I always shop FEDCO first, then turn to other suppliers (I like Johnny's and Pinetree) when I can't get what I need from my buddies in Waterville.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Becky – nice to meet you. I hadn't thought about FEDCO in years. Thanks for the reminder and your endorsement of them.
Pat says
“Pinetree Garden Seeds” I could not connect with this seed company could there be another website for them
B Purtell says
Hi,
I just did some winter sowing of several annuals and perennials week of 3/4 and today 3/12/2013. Also just put out some tomato seeds to try today. Wonder if it’s too late for this process here in the Chicago Midwest? Thank you.
linda mccaughey says
i’m surprised that no one has mentioned Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company, the epitome of suppliers! it would take several lifetimes to grow everything they offer. all GMO-free, organically grown varieties.
Ellin Pollachek says
I’m with Linda. I get 90% of my seeds from Baker’s Creek. I also buy from High Mowing organic seeds. They only sell organic seeds, no GMO seeds and there’s no shipping charge…EVER. Buy as little or as much as you want. Johnnie’s is good and I also buy from UF Seeds in Indiana. I’ve had a little trouble with their customer service but their seeds are terrific. I’ve purchased from Diane’s but her stock is limited. Sometimes I buy from Renee but my top 2 are Baker’s and High Mowing.
Joanne La Vergne says
Happy, sunny day here in southern Alberta. I read with interest your comment on the Blue Himalayan poppy. I live in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and have had great success growing the poppy after a disappointing start. I read of an “expert” on the poppy by the name of Bill Terry who lives in neighbouring British Columbia and contacted him. He sent me a package of seeds at no cost with the warning to refrigerate them immediately and to keep them in the fridge until planting which I did at the end of the following January. Great success with an almost 100 per cent germination. That was about 8 years ago. I harvest my seed in the fall to sow again in January. I grow them on the north side of the garage, an area of my yard not very subject to weather changes such as warm Chinook winds.
I suggest you read his book “Blue Heaven”. Lots of information plus beautiful photos. Some meconopsis are red, yellow, or white!