If you’re a gardener seeking the widest selection of seeds or looking to maximize your seed count per order, this list covers the top mail order seed companies ranked by their variety and seed quantity. Whether you’re a home gardener, small-scale farmer, or seed collector, these companies offer extensive catalogs of vegetables, flowers, herbs, and rare heirloom varieties to suit your planting needs.
Johnny’s Selected Seeds
Johnny’s Selected Seeds boasts one of the most diverse catalogs in the industry, offering over 1,000 varieties of vegetable, herb, and flower seeds. Their seed packets often contain high seed counts compared to industry averages, making them a favorite for gardeners who want both variety and volume. They specialize in organic and sustainably produced seeds, providing detailed growing information and trial data for each variety.
Seed Savers Exchange
Seed Savers Exchange is renowned for its extensive heirloom seed collection, with over 700 varieties that focus on preserving genetic diversity. While their seed counts per packet can vary, they emphasize rare and hard-to-find seeds, which appeals to collectors and gardeners looking for unique plants. Their membership program also provides access to exclusive seed exchanges and bulk seed options.
Burpee Seeds
Burpee has been a household name in gardening since 1876, offering more than 1,200 seed varieties, including many hybrid and open-pollinated options. Their seed packets typically include a generous number of seeds, especially for popular vegetables like tomatoes and beans, catering to gardeners who want ample supply for planting and succession crops. Burpee also provides extensive growing guides and customer support.
High Mowing Organic Seeds
High Mowing Organic Seeds specializes in 100% certified organic seeds, offering over 600 varieties with a strong emphasis on vegetables and herbs. Their seed packets tend to have higher counts for many crops compared to other organic seed suppliers, supporting gardeners focused on organic and sustainable practices. High Mowing also offers bulk seed purchasing options, ideal for market gardeners and small farms.
Renee’s Garden Seeds
Renee’s Garden Seeds features a curated selection of approximately 400 varieties, with a strong focus on gourmet and specialty vegetables, herbs, and flowers. While their seed counts per packet are moderate, their unique variety offerings, such as unusual tomato and pepper cultivars, make them valuable for gardeners seeking diversity and quality. Renee’s Garden also provides detailed planting instructions tailored to home gardeners.
Territorial Seed Company
Territorial Seed Company offers over 1,100 varieties with an emphasis on seeds adapted to the Pacific Northwest climate, but their wide selection suits gardeners across the U.S. Their seed packets often contain high seed counts, especially for popular crops like carrots and lettuce, making them a good choice for gardeners who want both quantity and adaptability. They also provide bulk seed options and growing advice for different regions.
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange focuses on heirloom and open-pollinated varieties well-suited to the Southeast U.S., with a catalog of over 600 varieties. Their seed counts vary but are generally competitive, especially for beans, peas, and greens. Southern Exposure is also committed to organic and sustainable seed production, with many varieties adapted for shorter growing seasons and warmer climates.
Botanical Interests
Botanical Interests offers about 700 seed varieties with an emphasis on organic and non-GMO options. Their seed packets typically include high seed counts, particularly for flowers and common vegetables, making them a budget-friendly choice for gardeners who want to plant extensively. They also provide vibrant seed packet art and detailed growing information, which appeals to both novice and experienced gardeners.
True Leaf Market
True Leaf Market carries a broad selection of over 1,000 seed varieties, including many rare and specialty seeds. Their seed counts per packet are generally generous, and they offer bulk seed sizes as well. True Leaf focuses on organic and heirloom seeds, providing a comprehensive catalog for gardeners seeking both variety and quantity, plus sprouting and microgreen seeds for specialty growers.
Victory Seeds
Victory Seeds specializes in heirloom and open-pollinated seeds, with a catalog of about 1,000 varieties, including many rare or historically significant cultivars. Their seed packets often contain high seed counts, especially for staple crops like beans and corn, supporting gardeners who want to grow large quantities of traditional varieties. Victory Seeds also supports seed saving and biodiversity initiatives.
How to Choose
When selecting a mail order seed company based on variety and seed count, consider your gardening goals first. If you want rare heirlooms, companies like Seed Savers Exchange or Victory Seeds are ideal. For organic seeds with high seed counts, High Mowing Organic Seeds and Botanical Interests stand out. Also, review packet sizes and seed counts carefully—sometimes higher seed counts mean better value if you plan to sow extensively. Consider regional adaptability and customer support as well, since some companies tailor their varieties to specific climates. Lastly, check for certifications such as organic or non-GMO if those factors matter to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many seeds are typically in a packet?
Seed counts vary widely by crop and company but generally range from 10 seeds for rare or large seeds like squash to 500+ for small seeds like lettuce or carrots.
Q: Are heirloom seeds less productive than hybrids?
Heirlooms often have excellent flavor and genetic diversity but may yield less uniformly than hybrids, which are bred for high productivity and disease resistance.
Q: Can I buy seed in bulk from these companies?
Many companies like Johnny’s Selected Seeds, High Mowing, and Territorial Seed Company offer bulk seed quantities suitable for market gardeners or large-scale planting.
Q: How do I know if seeds are organic?
Look for third-party certifications such as USDA Organic on seed packets or company websites to confirm organic status.
Q: Do these companies ship internationally?
Shipping policies vary; some companies ship worldwide while others restrict orders to the U.S. Check each company’s shipping information before ordering.
Q: Are seed catalogs still useful in the digital age?
Yes, catalogs often provide detailed growing notes, photos, and variety histories that can help gardeners make informed choices beyond what’s available online.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right mail order seed company depends largely on your priorities—whether that’s the sheer number of seeds per packet, the breadth of variety, or specialty traits like organic certification or heirloom status. The companies listed here represent some of the best in combining variety and seed count, catering to diverse gardening needs from hobbyists to small farmers. By understanding your gardening zone, seed preferences, and planting ambitions, you can select a supplier that maximizes your chances of a bountiful and enjoyable growing season.
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