Updated ~ 2/8/24
I wanted to come up with a more catchy title, but was afraid I’d spend an hour just trying to find one! So, Seed Companies and Materials review it is.
I am a detailed person, but not always organized. My temperaments are Melancholy (details) and Sanguine (squirrel!). Fortunately, there’s more of my detailed personality. I mention this because I take hours and hours scouring the internet for flower/foliage seeds for my flower farm. With over 6 years of flower farming, I have had some experience with seed companies and materials.
I analyze seed companies and materials by 1) are they a reputable source, 2) variety of flowers/foliage available, 3) amount of seeds per packet and price, and 4) sales or promotions.
Let’s jump on in!
Disclaimer: all logos are the property of their respective owners and are used here for discussion purposes only.
Several years ago I had a bad experience with a company called GeoSeed (not shown in list above). It actually cost some of my business. I decided to give them another chance and was pleasantly surprised. They do have some of the best prices (and volume pricing) and open to the public. You can check them out here.
A Closer Look
Swallowtail Garden Seeds
I found this company last year. They do a great job on customer service, have timely shipping (or put on their website accurate delays), seeds germinate well, and best of all have a 1 year guarantee, not to mention pretty decent prices. And they offer some unique and different varieties. They are a small company, but will probably quickly become a favorite among customers.
Floret
I found out about Floret several years ago, before I got into flower farming. Erin Benzakein is the founder and offers a wealth of information on specifically flower farming. I am a 2021 Floret Alumni and was only able to attend thanks to my father-in-law (the price to attend is astronomical compared to other flower workshops). They recently (2024) changed what seeds they sell. Now they only sell their own on-farm newly hybridized flowers (specifically zinnias and celosia). The prices are astronomical ($18-20 for 50 seeds in 2024) but worth it if you want brand new hybrids.
Botanical Interests
I recently discovered this AMAZING seed company. I mentioned I like details. The founders noticed that many seed packets did not include as much information, and decided to do something about it. Each seed packet comes loaded with seeds and detailed facts. The prices are some of the best and perfect for home gardeners as they do not necessarily come in huge quantities. Even then, if you need larger quantities, ordering more than one packet still comes out to great prices.
They offer promotions throughout the year and also have a program of earning points for free seeds. I got an amazing deal by buying a certificate at 15% off, and then getting 35% off the total order. I could have gotten free shipping if I had gotten $60 worth, but I noticed it too late. Either way, I paid about $55 (includes shipping) for 30 packets! And, they included a free packet. Something I was not expecting. This company is a favorite.
Baker Creek
When I was introduced into the world of flower farming, this company came highly recommended. And no wonder! They ALWAYS offer free shipping and include a free seed packet with every 5 packet order. Probably best known for providing heirloom seeds, they do a wonderful job in getting people excited about trying something new. They have a decent amount of information on their website. The free shipping, amazing varieties and free packet are really appealing. And their prices are pretty good.
Johnny’s Select Seed
I just found out their founder named the company after Johnny Appleseed. Well, he definitely made the company famous. Well known for their seed testing and product development, they also pride themselves on quality. I registered under the wholesale program, but really there’s no difference. They do have regional representatives who are quick to email you back. Overall, this is a great place to order seeds. However, I realized that I was not planting all the seeds I would get in each packet and now know it’s a waste of seeds, and in essence money. But if I do need quantity, good prices and reliability, this company is a good go to.
Select Seeds
This company also offers decent amounts at good prices. Another option they offer is plants. I have not used this service yet, but there are plants that are difficult to start from seed or have to be propagated by plant only. Their prices are decent and I’ve not heard anything bad about plants arriving in bad conditions. They are a small company but their service is great. They have a few varieties I could not find at other companies.
Redemption Seeds
This is a new company to me, but so far I am pleased with their prices, varieties and communication. I was drawn to their varieties and after I compared prices, found they seemed like a good find. Once I get a little more time and involvement, I will try to update this review. I was a little surprised they did not have information on when they were founded, even with an engine search.
One last mention, and I forgot to add to my chart (and ran out of space), is Outsidepride. This company has HUGE amounts of seed for very good prices. They don’t have as much cut flower/foliage variety as other companies, but they have a pretty amazing amount of seed, especially in the ornamental grass section. So, if you need, say, 5000 seeds of Rudbeckia Green Eyes for $4.99, or 10,000 seeds for $8.99, go for it! (Prices on January 7, 2022).
NEW TO ME SEED COMPANIES 2024
Pinetree Garden Seeds – I found this company while looking for seeds for our annual seedling sale. They have a plethora of vegetables, flowers, herbs, live plants, kits & collections, and supplies. The prices on their vegetables are excellent.
Ohio Heirloom Seeds – I also found this company while looking for seedling sale seeds. These are the cheapest seeds I have ever found. And they are also mostly bulk (500-1000 seeds per packet). There is not a large variety of flowers, but definitely more vegetables.
Materials
This will be a somewhat short review. Lol! Most of my materials / tools have come from Amazon, Lowes or Home Depot. However, I discovered another decent company that offers better prices on things like row covers and organic pest management.
Seven Springs Farm Supply
They seem to be a small company, but with great hearts. I somehow stumbled on this company looking for better pricing on fabric row covers (AgriFabric). Their prices are the best I have found so far and shipping is very reasonable. They offer a sundry of other products, so take a look!