For gardeners, landscapers, and seed collectors, the size of seed packets can be a crucial factor when ordering seeds by mail. Whether you need a few seeds for a small home garden or bulk quantities for larger planting projects, knowing which seed companies offer the best packet sizes helps you get the right amount without waste or shortage. This list ranks popular mail order seed sources based on the variety and size of seed packets they provide, helping you decide where to shop depending on your planting needs.
Burpee Seeds
Burpee is one of the most recognized seed companies in the United States, offering seed packets ranging from small sample sizes of 10-20 seeds for rare flowers to large packets containing up to 1,000 seeds for popular vegetables like lettuce or beans. Their extensive catalog includes many varieties with multiple packet size options, allowing gardeners to purchase according to plot size or trial needs. Burpee’s clear labeling and consistent seed quality make their packet sizes practical for both beginners and experienced growers.
Johnny’s Selected Seeds
Johnny’s Selected Seeds is favored by professional growers and home gardeners alike for its wide range of packet sizes, especially in the vegetable and herb categories. They offer small packets starting at 10-25 seeds, mid-size options around 100-200 seeds, and bulk packets that can exceed 1,000 seeds, particularly for staple crops like carrots and radishes. Their detailed product descriptions clearly state seed counts, helping customers accurately assess how much seed they need for different garden scales.
Seed Savers Exchange
Seed Savers Exchange focuses on heirloom and open-pollinated varieties, with seed packet sizes generally smaller than commercial suppliers due to the rarity of many seeds. Most packets contain between 20 and 100 seeds, although some popular vegetables may be available in larger quantities. This company appeals to gardeners who prioritize genetic diversity and preservation over bulk seed purchases, but the packet sizes are still sufficient for typical home gardening needs.
Park Seed
Park Seed offers a broad spectrum of packet sizes, from trial packets with as few as 15 seeds to larger packets with 500 or more seeds for common vegetables and flowers. They are especially known for their flower seed offerings, where seed counts per packet can vary greatly depending on seed size. For vegetable seeds, Park Seed’s mid-to-large packet sizes suit gardeners who want to plant multiple rows or beds without ordering multiple packets.
High Mowing Organic Seeds
High Mowing Organic Seeds specializes in certified organic seed packets, typically offering sizes from 50 to 1,000 seeds depending on the crop. Their commitment to organic and non-GMO varieties means some rare crops may only come in smaller packets, but staples like tomatoes and beans are available in larger quantities to accommodate market gardeners and organic growers. The company’s clear seed count labeling and organic certification make their packet sizes reliable for sustainable planting projects.
Renee’s Garden Seeds
Renee’s Garden Seeds is known for gourmet vegetable, herb, and flower seeds with packet sizes usually ranging from 50 to 300 seeds. Their packets tend to be smaller than some bulk seed suppliers, reflecting their focus on specialty and heirloom varieties targeted at home gardeners who enjoy diversity rather than mass planting. The company’s beautifully designed packets and detailed growing instructions add value even if the seed quantities are modest.
Botanical Interests
Botanical Interests offers seed packets with an emphasis on clear seed counts and educational content. Their packet sizes vary widely, from small packets with 10-30 seeds for rare flowers to larger packets containing 200-500 seeds for common vegetables. They also provide seed mixes with combined counts, which can be useful for gardeners interested in diversity but still wanting decent seed quantities per packet.
Territorial Seed Company
Territorial Seed Company carries seed packets that range broadly in size, with many vegetable varieties available in both small packets (~50 seeds) and bulk packets exceeding 1,000 seeds. They cater to both home gardeners and commercial growers, offering clear seed count information for each packet size. Their selection includes many regional varieties suited to the Pacific Northwest, with packet sizes designed for practical planting scales.
Botanical Interests
Botanical Interests is well-regarded for its educational approach and consistency in seed packet sizes. They offer a wide range of packet sizes, typically from 20 seeds for flowers to 500 seeds for vegetables like carrots or lettuce. Their packets are clearly labeled with seed counts and planting tips, making it easy to select the right size for your gardening goals.
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange
Specializing in heirloom and open-pollinated seeds suited for the Southeastern U.S., Southern Exposure Seed Exchange offers packet sizes typically ranging from 25 seeds for rare flowers to 250 or more seeds for common vegetables. Their focus on regionally adapted varieties means packet sizes are balanced to meet the needs of small-scale growers and home gardeners in warmer climates. The company’s detailed seed counts and variety-specific packet sizes assist gardeners in ordering just what they need.
How to Choose
When selecting a mail order seed source based on seed packet sizes, consider your planting scale first. Small packets (10-50 seeds) are ideal for trial gardens, rare varieties, or limited space, while larger packets (200+ seeds) suit market gardeners, community gardens, or large plots. Also, verify that the seed counts are clearly labeled and consistent—some companies provide vague size descriptions rather than exact counts. Beyond packet size, factor in seed variety availability, germination rates, seed quality, and shipping reliability to make the best choice for your gardening goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do seed packet sizes vary so much between companies?
Packet sizes depend on the company’s target customer, seed rarity, and seed size. Bulk suppliers offer large packets for commercial growers, while heirloom-focused companies may sell smaller quantities due to limited seed availability.
Q: Are larger seed packets always more cost-effective?
Generally, buying in bulk reduces cost per seed, but only if you can use all the seeds before they lose viability. For small gardens, smaller packets may be more economical to avoid waste.
Q: How many seeds do I need for a typical home garden?
This varies by crop, but many home gardeners plant 50-200 seeds per vegetable variety. Consider the spacing and expected germination rates when estimating.
Q: Do seed companies guarantee germination rates?
Most reputable companies provide germination rate percentages on their packets or websites, helping you estimate how many seeds to plant for desired results.
Q: Can I save seeds from these packets for future planting?
Yes, especially with open-pollinated and heirloom varieties. However, hybrids may not produce true-to-type offspring and seed viability decreases over time.
Q: Are organic seed packets typically smaller?
Organic seed packets often come in smaller sizes due to certification costs and supply limitations but many suppliers offer bulk organic seed options as well.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right mail order seed source based on packet sizes requires balancing your garden’s scale, seed variety preferences, and budget. Companies like Burpee and Johnny’s Selected Seeds excel in offering a wide range of packet sizes suitable for both small and large plantings, while heirloom-focused sources like Seed Savers Exchange and Southern Exposure Seed Exchange tend to provide smaller, specialized packets. Always check exact seed counts and germination information to ensure you order the right amount for your needs. With careful selection, you can get quality seeds in the sizes that best fit your gardening plans.
Related
- Assistant Manager vs Floor Manager Duties: Key Differences Explained
- Most Popular Sororities for Seniors at University of Texas
- Billing Job Titles in Medical Offices Explained