heirloom seed sources

open pollinated / “heirloom” seed sources

This is a list of retail seed dealers who sell open-pollinated (OP) vegetable and grain seed. (Some gardeners object to the use of hybrid and genetically modified seeds on philosophical grounds. Open-pollinated seed is also called heirloom seed or organic seeds.) Inclusion of a company in this list does not constitute an endorsement, and exclusion does not constitute a condemnation.

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
2278 Baker Creek Rd.
Mansfield, MO 65704
www.rareseeds.com

E-mail a request for their catalog and seed-saving guide. Specializing in members of the Solanaceae family (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants).

The Cook's Garden
PO Box 5010
Hodges, SC 29653
www.cooksgarden.com

Mix of OP and hybrids. Good selection of vegetables.

Johnny's Selected Seeds
310 Foss Hill Rd.
Albion, ME 04910
www.johnnyseeds.com

A mix of OP and hybrid varieties, including some hard-to-find and exclusive items. Vegetables, cover crops, herbs, flowers, tools. On-line catalog includes some items not in the hardcopy version and vice versa.

I have dealt with this company several times; their seed is high quality and their service is okay.

Mellinger's
1-800-321-7444
www.mellingers.com

Mix of OP and hybrids. Vegetables, herbs, ground covers, trees, equipment. On-line shopping. Large or small quantities.

Pinetree Garden Seeds
PO Box 300
New Gloucester, ME 04260
207-926-3400
www.superseeds.com

Mix of OP and hybrids. They have some hard-to-find and exclusive items.

I have dealt with this company several times; their seed is high quality and their service is okay.

Plants of the Southwest
Route 6 Box 11A
Santa Fe, NM 87501
800-788-7333

Drought tolerant grasses, trees, wildflowers, vegetables and herbs. More than 30 varieties of chili peppers. Amaranth, quinoa, tomatilla.

Redwood City Seed Co.
Box 361
Redwood City, CA 94064
650-325-SEED
www.batnet.com/rwc-seed/

A variety of vegetables. Lots of hot pepper varieties.

Salt Spring Seed Co.
PO Box 444, Ganges P.O.
Salt Spring Island, BC
V8K 2W1, Canada
250-537-5269

Organically grown untreated seed. Wheat, barley, oats, lentils, and garlic plus the usual veggies. Many items not available elsewhere.

Seeds of Change
PO Box 15700
Santa Fe, NM 87506-5700
505-438-8080
www.seedsofchange.com

All their varieties are open-pollinated. All seed organically grown and untreated. On-line ordering.

I have dealt with this company several times; their seed is high quality and their service is okay.

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange
PO Box 170
Earlysville, VA 22936
www.southernexposure.com

Untreated heirloom seeds and other items. Some hard-to-find varieties.

Sow Organic Seeds
1573 Wilson Ct.
Eugene, OR 97402
1-888-709-7333
www.organicseed.com

Lots of heirloom varieties. They grow the seeds they sell.

Territorial Seeds
PO Box 157
Cottage Grove, OR 97424-0061
www.territorial-seed.com

On-line ordering. Vegetables, herbs, cover crops, equipment.

Underwood Gardens
www.grandmasgarden.com

Heirloom vegetables and apple scions. Some items are only available to supporting members who pay $15 fee.

Willhite Seeds
PO Box 23
Poolville, TX 76487
www.willhiteseed.com

Mix of OP and hybrids. Many watermelon varieties. Vegetables from India and elsewhere. Small or large quantities.

Seed Savers Exchange
3076 North Winn Rd.
Decorah, IA 52101
www.seedsavers.org

Members of the Exchange share seed of rare and heirloom varieties from all over the world. The 8,000 members of this grassroots organization are doing important work to preserve the genetic diversity of food crops; I urge you to support them by becoming a member or sending a donation.