For gardeners and growers looking to source a wide range of seeds by mail, variety is often the key factor in selecting a supplier. This list covers the top 10 US mail order seed companies ranked specifically by the breadth and diversity of their seed catalogs. Whether you want heirloom vegetables, rare flowers, or specialty herbs, these vendors offer extensive selections tailored to both hobbyists and serious growers.
1. Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
Baker Creek is renowned for its massive collection of heirloom seeds, boasting over 1,800 varieties. They specialize in rare and historic seeds from around the world, including many unusual vegetables, flowers, and herbs. Their catalog is a treasure trove for gardeners seeking unique, non-GMO, and open-pollinated seeds that are hard to find elsewhere.
2. Johnny’s Selected Seeds
Johnny’s Selected Seeds offers a vast assortment of seeds geared toward both home gardeners and commercial growers. Their catalog includes more than 1,000 varieties of vegetables, flowers, and herbs, focusing on high-performance varieties with detailed growing information. Their breeding and trialing process ensures quality and reliable germination, making them a favorite for serious growers.
3. Seed Savers Exchange
Seed Savers Exchange is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving heirloom varieties, offering around 700 unique seed types. Their catalog features rare and endangered seeds contributed by a community of gardeners passionate about genetic diversity. They provide detailed histories and growing tips, ideal for those interested in heritage plants and seed saving.
4. Territorial Seed Company
Territorial Seed Company carries roughly 1,200 varieties tailored to the Pacific Northwest but suitable nationwide. Their selection includes vegetables, flowers, herbs, and cover crops, with an emphasis on varieties tested for regional adaptability. They also offer organic seeds and a strong focus on sustainable gardening practices.
5. High Mowing Organic Seeds
High Mowing Organic Seeds specializes in 800+ varieties of 100% certified organic seeds. Their catalog covers vegetables, herbs, and flowers, all bred for organic production systems. They focus on quality, transparency, and supporting organic growers, making them a go-to source for gardeners committed to organic gardening.
6. Renee’s Garden Seeds
Renee’s Garden offers a curated collection of about 500 varieties, emphasizing easy-to-grow and gourmet vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Their beautifully illustrated catalogs provide detailed planting guides and recipes, appealing to home gardeners who want both variety and culinary inspiration. Though smaller in scope, their selection is thoughtfully chosen for flavor and performance.
7. Southern Exposure Seed Exchange
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange focuses on 600+ heirloom and open-pollinated varieties suited to the Southeast US climate. They emphasize seeds adapted to warm, humid conditions and organic practices. Their catalog includes many Southern heritage vegetables and flowers, making them invaluable for gardeners in that region seeking regional diversity.
8. Fedco Seeds
Fedco Seeds is a cooperative that offers an extensive catalog of approximately 900 varieties, including vegetables, flowers, and cover crops. They emphasize affordable, organic, and open-pollinated seeds with a strong commitment to seed saving and sustainability. Their diverse selection caters to both small-scale farmers and home gardeners.
9. Southern Exposure Seed Exchange
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange is known for its commitment to heirloom and organic seeds, offering over 600 varieties. They specialize in plants suited to the Southeast but ship nationwide, with many rare and regionally adapted crops. Their educational resources help gardeners successfully grow and save seeds.
10. Adaptive Seeds
Adaptive Seeds offers around 300 varieties with a focus on open-pollinated, organic, and regionally adapted seeds for the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Though smaller in total variety, they emphasize genetic diversity and seed stewardship, providing unique options not commonly found in mainstream catalogs.
How to Choose
When selecting a mail order seed source, consider your specific gardening goals and climate. Variety breadth matters if you want rare or unusual plants, but regional adaptation ensures better germination and growth in your area. Look for companies that provide detailed growing information and transparent seed sourcing. Organic certification may be important if you want to avoid synthetic chemicals. Finally, consider the vendor’s commitment to seed saving and sustainability, especially if you want to preserve genetic diversity or save seeds yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are heirloom seeds better than hybrid seeds?
Heirloom seeds are open-pollinated and preserve genetic diversity, often valued for flavor and history, while hybrids are bred for specific traits like yield or disease resistance. Both have their uses depending on your goals.
Q: Can I save seeds from mail order seeds?
Yes, especially if the seeds are open-pollinated or heirloom. Hybrids may not breed true to type in subsequent generations.
Q: Do these companies ship seeds nationwide?
Most of these US-based companies ship across the country, though some may restrict shipments to certain states due to agricultural regulations.
Q: How can I tell if a seed company’s varieties will grow well in my region?
Look for companies that offer regional growing guides or varieties adapted to your climate zone. Many provide hardiness zone info or specific regional recommendations.
Q: Are organic seeds worth the extra cost?
Organic seeds are produced without synthetic chemicals, which is important if you want to maintain organic certification or avoid pesticides. They often cost more but support organic farming practices.
Q: What does open-pollinated mean?
Open-pollinated seeds are naturally pollinated by wind, insects, or birds and will produce offspring similar to the parent plants, making them ideal for seed saving.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right mail order seed source depends on what you seek in your garden—from a vast array of rare heirlooms to regionally adapted organic varieties. The companies listed here represent the best in variety and quality, offering gardeners across the US access to seeds that inspire creativity and success. By understanding your growing conditions and goals, you can select a seed supplier that helps you cultivate a thriving, diverse garden season after season.
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