Buying vegetable seeds for your garden is no easy feat. With plenty of companies selling them at various prices and guarantees, finding the right supplier can be challenging. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener seeking rare heirloom varieties, it’s important to invest in quality and reliable seeds.
6 Considerations When Choosing the Best Vegetable Seed Company
Whether you want to expand your vegetable collection or start your gardening journey, choosing the right vegetable seed company is essential for a successful experience. Consider these features before buying your seeds:
1. Location
Look for a vegetable seed supplier in a similar growing environment to yours. While optional, this ensures your vegetables will thrive in your garden. For example, if you live in the Pacific Northwest, choose businesses in the same region.
2. Variety Selection
Consider businesses offering organic and heirloom vegetable seeds, which can provide unique flavors. Read catalog descriptions to see if your chosen varieties will grow well in your garden. The ideal supplier must also provide recommendations to make your experience more productive and successful.
Moreover, your gardening experience will be more satisfying if you produce vegetables you like to eat. Ensure that the seed company offers the varieties you want. There’s nothing worse than knowing that you’re growing plum tomatoes only to find that you purchased cherry tomatoes.
3. Seed Quality
The Federal Seed Act (FSA) requires seed shipments between states to have labels containing quality information for buyers. Primary requirements include seed purity percentage, germination percentage, chemical seed treatment, noxious weed seed content, kind and varietal identification, and the interstate shipper's contact information. Moreover, some suppliers also examine for pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, viruses and nematodes.
4. Sustainability Practices
If you want to grow your garden organically, lean toward companies selling certified organic seeds. Consider looking for non-genetically modified seeds (GMOs), meaning genetic engineering wasn’t part of the plant breeding process.
5. Customer Support and Resources
The right vegetable seed company must provide detailed seed information, planting instructions, care tips and pest management advice. These details should be available in the packaging or on the website for better accessibility. Moreover, the right supplier will have responsive customer service and clear return policies if you receive defective seeds.
6. Prices and Shipping
Compare prices across various suppliers. Review packages, options and delivery times to see which works best for you.
12 Best Vegetable Seed Companies
Discover the top suppliers and their unique offerings.
1. Harris Seeds
Harris Seeds is one of the best vegetable seed companies. It has been providing quality seeds to consumers in the U.S. since 1879. With over a hundred years of experience, it’s committed to offering professional-grade products that will sustain the entire nation. The brand has a full in-house seed germination lab to ensure the highest quality standards are reflected in every seed.
The company provides comprehensive growing guides for consumers, making your garden experience more enjoyable regardless of season. It offers free shipping storewide on all online orders over $40. Use the discount code on its website.
Bestselling seeds:
- Tomato
- Squash
- Beans
- Broccoli
- Corn and sweet corn
Reasons to buy:
- Offers free shipping storewide
- Provides how-to guides for gardeners of all levels
- Has online communities with more than 40,000 members
- Sells certified organic seeds and gardening tools
Contact information: 800-544-7938
2. Seed Savers Exchange
Seed Savers Exchange is ideal for gardeners who want to support nearly forgotten heirloom varieties. It’s a nonprofit organization that advocates for heirloom seed preservation, ensuring they will last for generations. Its products aren’t coated with insecticides or fungicides and are non-GMO, and its catalog is well-loved for its photography and variety of descriptions. Moreover, customers enjoy being a part of the seed conversation.
Bestselling seeds:
- King of the North pepper
- Black Beauty zucchini squash
- Gold Rush lettuce
- German pink tomato
- Italian heirloom tomato
Reasons to buy:
- Offers extensive growing guides and blog posts
- Lets you support a nonprofit mission
- Provides a free seed catalog for U.S. addresses
Contact information: 563-382-5990
3. Burpee
Burpee is famous for introducing the original iceberg lettuce, white marigold and the biggest beefsteak tomato. It sells premium vegetable, herb, fruit and flower seeds, including heirloom and modern varieties. The brand also offers innovative hybrids, such as the Burpee Big Boy tomato.
If you’re a beginner, consider buying its seed starting package — a set with everything you need to begin indoor gardening. With over a hundred years of industry presence, you can count on Burpee for the freshest varieties.
Bestselling seeds:
- Peppers
- Squash
- Tomatoes
Reasons to buy:
- Is one of the nation’s most popular and trusted seed companies
- Offers a rich variety of heirlooms, organics and hybrids
- Provides beginner-friendly kits
- Has responsive customer service
Contact information: 800-888-1447
4. Eden Brothers
Eden Brothers is one of the best companies for non-GMO vegetable and herb seeds. It offers over 700 varieties — available in packets or bulk for bigger savings. Whether you’re planting outdoors or indoors, the brand’s website search feature makes it easy to find the seeds to start your gardening journey. It also offers planting guides and gift cards. It accepts returns of defective, incorrect or damaged items if returned within 30 days.
Bestselling seeds:
- Carrots
- Lettuce
- Pumpkin
- Peppers
- Cucumber
- Squash
Reasons to buy:
- Offers a wide variety of seeds
- Allows you to shop by solution
- Has extensive gardening resources
Contact information: 855-440-2929
5. Ferry-Morse
Ferry-Morse was founded in 1856 in Detroit, making it one of the oldest operating seed companies in the U.S. The company supplies 100% non-GMO heirloom, hybrid, organic and open-pollinated seeds. If you’re a beginner, access its garden matchmaker quiz on the website to identify the perfect plants for your location and interests. If you received a wrong, defective or damaged item, Ferry-Morse has a 30-day return policy to guarantee your satisfaction.
Bestselling seeds:
- Tomato
- Squash
- Zucchini
- Pepper
- Eggplant
Reasons to buy:
- Offers a variety of seeds at reasonable prices
- Lets you take a quiz to find the right plants for your garden
- Has gardening reading and video guides
Contact information: 508-928-4769
6. Rare Seeds
Rare Seeds offers 1,200 varieties of vegetables, herbs and flowers. Purchasing your seeds here means supporting its partner nonprofit organizations. The brand also provides free seeds to communities and educational institutions to promote equal access to nutrient-dense food. This supplier has fascinating product descriptions that contain plant histories and basic care needs. You can also purchase rare vegetable seeds like Bhut Jalokia hot peppers and Manpukuji carrots.
Request a free 164-page seed catalog by filling out the form on its website.
Bestselling seeds:
- Squash
- Artichokes
- Asparagus
- Bean
- Carrot
Reasons to buy:
- Elaborates the plants’ histories and basic care needs on product descriptions
- Offers rare seeds
- Supports sustainable development, education and emergency aid to nonprofit organizations
Contact information: seeds@rareseeds.com
7. Territorial Seed Co.
Territorial Seed Co. has excellent ratings for producing catalogs with varietal and cultural information. Its mission is to improve people’s independence and self-sufficiency by providing fresh garden supplies. All seeds were raised in the farm greenhouses, trialed and evaluated based on FSA’s standards. The company also has various certifications, such as USDA Organic by CCOF Certification Services LLC and Salmon-Safe by Salmon-Safe Inc.
Bestselling seeds:
- Napoli carrot
- Super sugar snap pea
- Beets
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Squash
Reasons to buy:
- Offers affordable seeds
- Ships in the U.S. and Canada
- Only supplies 100% non-GMO seeds
Contact information: 800-626-0866
8. Fedco Seeds
Fedco Seeds is a Maine-based consumer-owned cooperative that offers gardening and farming supplies. It’s one of the few co-ops in the U.S. — a business model where workers and customers own the business together. The supplier gives excess profits to workers and consumers annually as dividends. It offers quality yet affordable seeds while ensuring livable wages for its staff and growers. The company also signed the Safe Seed Pledge, establishing its commitment to producing non-GMO vegetable seeds.
Bestselling seeds:
- Heirloom seeds
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Cabbage
Reasons to buy:
- Offers a vast collection of heirlooms and rare seeds
- Provides gift certificates
- Doesn’t sell treated seeds
Contact information: questions@fedcoseeds.com
9. Truelove Seeds
Truelove Seeds offers open-pollinated vegetable, herb and flower seeds grown by over 50 small-scale rural and urban farmers. Its seeds have historical and cultural ties to Asia, Italy, Africa and its home base, Philadelphia. Browsing its website feels like taking a journey around the globe, allowing you to sort seeds by origin. The company offers rare seeds like huacatay, a marigold native to South America.
If you’re interested in planting vegetables from many parts of the world, consider buying from this brand.
Bestselling seeds:
- Persian cucumber
- Iranian cress
- China rose radish
- Lettuce
- African eggplant
Reasons to buy:
- Offers vegetables and grains
- Focuses on culturally important seeds in the world
- Supports biodiversity and small businesses
Contact information: info@trueloveseeds.com
10. Johnny’s Selected Seeds
Johnny’s Selected Seeds is a 100% employee-owned vegetable seed company. It’s one of the nine original signers of the Safe Seed Pledge, demonstrating its commitment to non-GMO seeds and plants. Its mission is to help communities feed one another by providing gardening tools and information. When you buy from this brand, you can be confident that the seeds you’re planting are of superior quality.
Bestselling seeds:
- Sun Gold tomato
- Organic zucchini
- Organic tomato
- Swiss chard
Reasons to buy:
- Allows you to contact its customer service even during the busiest planting and growing months
- Offers quality vegetable seeds
- Guarantees 100% satisfaction
Contact information: 877-564-6697
11. Hudson Valley Seed Co.
Hudson Valley Seed Co. is your trusted supplier of heirloom and open-pollinated seeds. It has its own certified organic farm in New York, ensuring high-quality products. The brand is committed to producing organic, non-GMO, locally grown and sustainable products to preserve crop diversity. When searching for seeds, you can adjust the filters according to product type, organic status and special characteristics. Access its free digital catalog on the website to see its collection of offerings.
Bestselling seeds:
- Biquinho red and yellow peppers
- Abundant Bloomsdale spinach
- Arugula
- Tomato
- Carrot
Reasons to buy:
- Offers affordable seeds
- Has a collection of rare varieties
- Provides beginner-friendly garden supplies
Contact information: 845-204-8769
12. Sow True Seed
Sow True Seed has supplied open-pollinated, organic and heirloom seeds since 2009. It has over 500 types of GMO-free offerings with excellent germination rates. The company conducts external germination testing annually to ensure seed quality and reliability. Its catalog includes common vegetables like asparagus, Asian greens, broccoli and celery. However, you can also spot great finds, such as kohlrabi, micro greens, rutabaga and sorghum.
Bestselling seeds:
- Summer squash
- Snap pea
- Cucumber
- Snow pea
- Okra
- Carrot
- Kale
Reasons to buy:
- Has wholesale and custom seed offerings
- Offers affordable prices
- Provides free shipping for all orders over $50
Contact information: 651-738-3422 or 651-739-9578
What Are the Different Seed Types?
Reading the information on seed companies’ websites and packets can be confusing, making it challenging for beginners. Familiarize yourself with these five seed types, as you’ll encounter them a lot in your research.
Heirloom Seeds
These refer to seeds that have been handed down through generations and are valued for their unique characteristics. Heirloom seeds are open-pollinated and often associated with a specific area where they grow well. Examples include black krim tomatoes and Chinese long beans.
Hybrid
Hybridization can happen naturally through random crosses and produces seeds with desirable traits, such as better shelf life and disease resistance. Some examples include Silver Queen corn and Riverside spinach.
Organic
Organic seeds refer to plants grown without the use of chemical pesticides. Companies selling this type of seed are required to restrict from using GMO seeds.
GMO
Genetically modified seeds are genetically engineered to acquire specific traits, such as herbicide tolerance or pest resistance.
Open-Pollinated
As the name suggests, plants produce these seeds by natural pollination. This seed type creates a more genetically diverse gene pool, allowing vegetables to adapt to local conditions.
Shop From the Best Vegetable Seed Companies
Selecting the right seed brand is the first step toward starting your vegetable gardening journey. This list is an excellent starting point, helping you narrow your choices. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice, you can have peace of mind knowing that these 12 brands will deliver their promise of high-quality seeds.
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