For gardeners and growers looking to buy seeds by mail, the size and variety of selections can greatly impact your planting options and success. This list compares some of the top mail order seed companies based on how extensive their seed catalogs are, helping both hobbyists and serious growers find the right source for their needs.
Burpee Seeds
Burpee is one of the oldest and most well-known seed companies in the U.S., offering a selection of over 1,000 varieties of vegetables, flowers, and herbs. Their catalog includes both classic favorites and newer hybrids, making it a solid choice for gardeners who want a wide range of options without overwhelming complexity. Burpee’s extensive selection is backed by decades of breeding expertise and reliable seed quality.
Johnny’s Selected Seeds
Johnny’s Selected Seeds offers approximately 2,000 varieties, focusing on high-quality, open-pollinated, and organic seeds. They cater heavily to small-scale farmers and serious gardeners, with a selection that includes many heirloom and specialty crops. Their catalog’s breadth makes it ideal for growers seeking rare and hard-to-find varieties alongside standard vegetables and flowers.
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
Baker Creek is renowned for its extraordinary collection of over 1,800 heirloom seed varieties sourced from around the world. Their catalog is one of the largest focused exclusively on heirlooms, featuring unique and historic plants not commonly found elsewhere. This makes Baker Creek an excellent choice for gardeners interested in biodiversity, heritage crops, and rare varieties.
Seed Savers Exchange
Seed Savers Exchange offers around 1,200 varieties, emphasizing heirloom and open-pollinated seeds preserved through community seed sharing. Their catalog is rich with rare and regionally adapted varieties, supporting genetic diversity and sustainable gardening practices. They also provide detailed growing information, which is helpful for gardeners focused on preserving seed heritage.
High Mowing Organic Seeds
High Mowing Organic Seeds specializes in 900+ certified organic seed varieties, with a strong focus on vegetables and herbs suited for organic farming and gardening. Their catalog is comprehensive yet curated, emphasizing sustainability and non-GMO genetics. This makes High Mowing a top pick for organic gardeners who want a broad but manageable selection of truly organic seeds.
Territorial Seed Company
Territorial Seed Company offers about 1,200 varieties, including vegetables, flowers, and herbs geared toward the Pacific Northwest climate but adaptable nationwide. Their catalog balances heirlooms, hybrids, and regionally tested varieties, making it a practical choice for gardeners seeking proven performance along with variety. Their trialing program ensures reliable seed quality and germination rates.
Park Seed
Park Seed features roughly 1,000 varieties, including a large selection of flowers, vegetables, and herbs. They are known for offering both classic and trendy plants, with a catalog that appeals to home gardeners looking for variety without specialized or rare crops. Park Seed’s long history and reputation for dependable seeds make it a solid generalist source.
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange provides about 900 varieties, focusing on open-pollinated and heirloom seeds adapted to the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern U.S. Their catalog is smaller but highly specialized, offering many regionally adapted vegetables, flowers, and herbs that thrive in warmer climates. This makes it ideal for gardeners in those regions seeking tailored seed options.
Renee’s Garden Seeds
Renee’s Garden offers around 700 varieties, with an emphasis on unique vegetable, herb, and flower seeds that are often gourmet or ornamental. Their catalog is curated with gardeners in mind who want something a bit different from standard supermarket varieties. Their detailed growing guides and colorful packaging enhance the buying experience.
Native Seeds/SEARCH
Native Seeds/SEARCH specializes in approximately 600 seed varieties native to the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico, focusing on heirlooms and landrace varieties adapted to arid climates. Their catalog is smaller but highly focused on preservation and adaptation to dry gardening conditions, making it a unique source for gardeners in similar environments or those interested in indigenous crops.
How to Choose
When selecting a mail order seed source by selection size, consider your gardening goals first. If you want a broad variety of common and exotic plants, companies like Johnny’s or Baker Creek offer extensive catalogs. For organic or heirloom purists, High Mowing or Seed Savers Exchange provide curated, sustainable choices. Regional adaptation is crucial; if you live in a specific climate zone, look for companies like Territorial Seed or Southern Exposure that specialize in varieties tested for your area. Also, check the company’s reputation for seed quality, germination rates, and customer service, as a large selection is less useful if seeds don’t perform well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are larger seed catalogs always better?
Not necessarily. Larger catalogs offer more options but can be overwhelming. It’s better to choose a catalog that matches your gardening style and climate.
Q: How important is seed quality compared to selection size?
Seed quality is critical. A smaller catalog with high germination rates and fresh seeds often performs better than a large catalog with poor-quality seeds.
Q: Can I find organic seeds in large catalogs?
Yes, many large suppliers like High Mowing and Johnny’s offer extensive organic seed selections alongside conventional seeds.
Q: Are heirloom seeds included in big catalogs?
Most large catalogs include heirlooms, but some specialize in them exclusively, like Baker Creek or Seed Savers Exchange.
Q: Do regional seed companies offer better success?
Often yes. Seeds adapted to your region’s climate and soil tend to perform better, reducing risk and improving yields.
Q: How can I tell if a seed company is reputable?
Look for transparent germination rates, customer reviews, and longevity in the market. Companies like Burpee and Johnny’s have decades of proven service.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a mail order seed source by selection size depends on your gardening needs, climate, and seed preferences. While large catalogs provide a wealth of options, more specialized seed companies often offer better-adapted and higher-quality seeds. Balancing variety with quality and regional suitability will give you the best chance for a successful and enjoyable gardening season.
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