If you’re looking to diversify your garden with the widest selection of seeds, this list ranks the top U.S. mail order seed companies by the number of varieties they offer. Whether you’re a home gardener, small farmer, or seed collector, knowing which suppliers have the largest catalogs can help you find rare, heirloom, and specialty seeds all from the convenience of your mailbox.
1. Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
Baker Creek is renowned for its enormous catalog of over 1,800 seed varieties, focusing heavily on rare and heirloom vegetables, flowers, and herbs. Their collection includes many unusual and historical varieties from around the world, making them a top choice for gardeners seeking unique plants not commonly found elsewhere. Their dedication to heritage seeds also supports genetic diversity in gardening.
2. Territorial Seed Company
Territorial Seed Company offers approximately 1,500 varieties, including vegetables, flowers, and herbs suited to a wide range of climates, particularly the Pacific Northwest. They emphasize regionally adapted seeds and provide detailed growing guides, which makes them a favorite for gardeners wanting reliable performance along with variety. Their catalog blends heirloom and hybrid seeds, giving customers broad options.
3. Johnny’s Selected Seeds
Johnny’s Selected Seeds supplies around 1,200 varieties, with a strong focus on organic, open-pollinated, and hybrid seeds for both home gardeners and commercial growers. They are known for rigorous quality control and extensive trialing, ensuring that seeds perform well in diverse conditions. Their professional-grade tools and supplies complement their seed offerings, making them a comprehensive resource.
4. Seed Savers Exchange
Seed Savers Exchange offers roughly 1,100 varieties, prioritizing heirloom and endangered seeds to preserve agricultural biodiversity. Their network of growers helps maintain rare seeds through careful stewardship and sharing. This organization appeals to gardeners interested in conservation and community seed saving as much as variety count.
5. High Mowing Organic Seeds
High Mowing Organic Seeds carries about 1,000 varieties, all certified organic and non-GMO, focusing on vegetables, herbs, and flowers suited to organic cultivation. Their commitment to sustainability and organic practices makes them a go-to source for gardeners wanting chemical-free seeds. Their catalog includes many open-pollinated options alongside hybrids.
6. Fedco Seeds
Fedco Seeds offers close to 900 varieties, emphasizing organic, heirloom, and regionally adapted seeds. As a cooperative, they reinvest profits into seed research and education, supporting sustainable agriculture. Their catalog is known for transparency and straightforward pricing, appealing to budget-conscious gardeners seeking quality.
7. Adaptive Seeds
Adaptive Seeds carries around 700 varieties, specializing in open-pollinated and heirloom seeds bred for resilience and flavor. They focus on seeds that perform well in diverse climates and support seed sovereignty. Their emphasis on taste and adaptability attracts gardeners looking for robust, reliable plants.
8. Renee’s Garden Seeds
Renee’s Garden offers approximately 600 varieties, with an emphasis on gourmet vegetables, herbs, and flowers that are easy to grow for home gardeners. They provide detailed planting instructions and have a reputation for high germination rates. Their catalog blends heirlooms and hybrids with a focus on flavor and garden performance.
9. Southern Exposure Seed Exchange
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange provides roughly 550 varieties, focusing on heirloom seeds adapted to the Southeastern U.S. climate. They prioritize organic and open-pollinated seeds to support sustainable gardening in warmer, humid regions. Their catalog is a valuable resource for gardeners in similar climates seeking well-adapted varieties.
10. Sow True Seed
Sow True Seed offers about 500 varieties, emphasizing organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated seeds with a focus on heirloom vegetables and flowers. Their commitment to seed integrity and sustainable practices appeals to gardeners prioritizing environmental responsibility. Their smaller but carefully curated catalog makes it easy to find quality seeds.
How to Choose
When selecting a mail order seed source, variety count is important but not the only factor. Consider your climate and look for suppliers that offer regionally adapted seeds. Decide if you want heirloom, hybrid, or organic seeds based on your gardening goals. Seed quality, germination rates, and company reputation for customer service also matter. Finally, review the catalog for the types of plants you want—some specialize in vegetables, others in flowers or herbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are heirloom seeds better than hybrids?
Heirloom seeds are open-pollinated and often prized for flavor and history, but hybrids can offer disease resistance and higher yields. The choice depends on your gardening priorities.
Q: Can I save seeds from mail order plants?
Yes, especially if you buy open-pollinated or heirloom varieties. Hybrid seeds may not breed true in the next generation.
Q: How do I know if a seed company’s seeds are organic?
Look for certification labels on their catalogs or websites. Companies like High Mowing Organic Seeds clearly state their organic certification.
Q: What if seeds don’t germinate?
Most companies offer germination guarantees or replacements if seeds fail under normal conditions. Check their policies before ordering.
Q: How early should I order seeds?
Ordering 2-3 months before your planting season is typical, but popular varieties can sell out quickly, so early ordering is wise.
Q: Are rare seed varieties worth ordering from large catalogs?
Yes, large catalogs often carry rare and unique varieties not found locally, providing exciting options for adventurous gardeners.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a U.S. mail order seed company with a large variety count opens up exciting possibilities for your garden, from rare heirlooms to regionally adapted vegetables. While variety count is a helpful starting point, pairing it with considerations like seed quality, organic certification, and climate suitability ensures the best results. These top-ranked seed sources provide reliable options for gardeners looking to expand their seed collections with confidence.
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