Gardening is a great way to reconnect with nature and grow herbs, crops, or flowers. While you can cultivate some plants from stem cuttings and by bulbs and tubers, most plants grow from high-quality seeds.

It is why when looking for seeds online, purchase them from online stores known for selling high-quality ones. Low-quality seeds may or may not grow regardless of how well you care for them, but good-quality ones come with over 70 percent chance of emergence.

To avoid the heartache that comes with failed plant growth, check out some of the best online shops to buy your favorite vegetable and flower seeds.

7 Best Online Stores For Your Vegetable and Flower Seeds

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PRODUCT

FEATURES

 

Hudson Valley Seed Co. - $$title$$

Hudson Valley Seed Co.

  • Type of Seed: Heirloom, Open-Pollinated, Non-GMO
  • Free Shipping: Yes, on seed orders above $35
  • Returns: On a case-by-case basis

Check The Price

Botanical Interests - $$title$$

Botanical Interests

  • Type of Seed: Heirloom, Organic, Non-GMO
  • Free Shipping: Yes, on orders above $150
  • Returns: No

Check The Price

Burpee - $$title$$

Burpee

  • Type of Seed: Non-GMO
  • Free Shipping: No
  • Returns: Yes, One-Year Guarantee

Check The Price

Terrain - $$title$$

Terrain

  • Type of Seed: Unspecified
  • Free Shipping: No
  • Returns: No

Check The Price

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds - $$title$$

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds

  • Type of Seed: Open-Pollinated, Heirloom, Non-GMO
  • Free Shipping: Yes
  • Returns: Two-Year Limited Warranty

Check The Price

Seed Savers Exchange - $$title$$

Seed Savers Exchange

  • Type of Seed: Non-GMO, Organic, Heirloom
  • Free Shipping: Yes, on orders above $250
  • Returns: Yes, but only within 30 days of purchase.

Check The Price

Swallowtail Garden Seeds - $$title$$

Swallowtail Garden Seeds

  • Type of Seed: Unspecified
  • Free Shipping: Yes, on orders above $45
  • Returns: One-Year Limited Guarantee

Check The Price

Buying Vegetable and Flower Seeds Online

When it comes to gardening success and better yield, obtaining and planting high-quality seeds is essential. While you can customize your soil and ensure your pot has drainage holes, you can't force a low-quality seed to grow. 

The sites below are worth looking at when shopping for vegetable and flower seeds. For all sites below, the pros below are collected from their website, and the cons are from Google Reviews and Better Business Bureau (BBB).

A woman gardener holds phone in her hands for online learning about plants.

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1. Hudson Valley Seed Co.

Founded in 2004, Hudson Valley Seed started as a seed library, inspiring a full-blown agricultural movement. From flower and vegetable seeds to herbs, tools, and various gifting options, Hudson Valley Seed Co even provides wholesale orders for bulk seed purchases.

Pros

Cons

They provide fast shipping.

Some customers on Google complained about seed packages getting damaged during shipping and delivery.

They provide in-store shopping, which will help you save up on shipping costs and prevent seed damage.

A couple of customers on Google complained that some seed varieties didn't germinate.

Their art packs are worth a look.

A customer on Google mentioned that they provide very few seeds in their seed packets.

2. Botanical Interests

Founded in 1995, Botanical Interests is one of the oldest gardening stores on the market. They started with 96 seed varieties in 1996, and now they're home to over 600 heirlooms, organic, and open-pollinated seeds. You'll find everything from seeds to garden tools and supplies on their site.

Pros

Cons

They have defined shipping periods, so you know exactly when to expect your seeds.

They don't provide bulk purchases.

Their seeds are organic and have not been treated with any pesticides or chemicals.

If the product you ordered runs out of stock, they’ll either send you an appropriate substitution or process a refund.

Many customers on Google claim that their seeds have a high germination rate.

You cannot change, add, or edit your order after placing it.

3. Burpee

Burpee flower seeds, gardening

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With a rich history dating back to 1876, Burpee is, perhaps, one of the oldest players in the gardening game. From vegetable, fruit, and flower seeds to herbs and garden tools, they've got you covered. Their e-gift card makes the perfect gift for expert and amateur gardeners.

Pros

Cons

Their seeds are Non-GMO and organic, which means they’re not treated with pesticides or chemicals.

They do not offer expedited shipping.

To change your order, call them to make the changes within 24 hours of placing the order.

You cannot pre-order a currently out-of-stock item. You will need to check their site for updates.

Their yearly catalogs can be downloaded for easier offline reference.

It’s essential to consider your USDA zone before purchasing because an incorrect zone voids the guarantee.

4. Terrain

Founded in 2008, Terrain is home to many native plants, outdoor décor elements and furniture, unique planters, and a handful of high-quality seed kits. Their gift cards make the perfect gift for new and amateur gardeners who prefer to pick and choose their gardening supplies.

Pros

Cons

They provide four interest-free installment payment options for all items on their site.

Some customers on Google and BBB have reported unreliable shipping and slow customer service.

They provide store pick-up if you want to save on shipping costs.

You won’t find a huge variety of vegetable or flower seeds in their online store.

You can use their gift cards for online, in-store, or café shopping.

The site sells seed kits (a collection of three to five seed varieties). Unfortunately, you can’t buy single seed packets online.

5. Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds

Founded in 1998, Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds started with just 70 seed varieties. Nearly 20,000 gardeners received their catalog a year later, and its popularity began to rise. Today, Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds is home to about 1,000 heirloom varieties for avid gardeners to check out.

Pros

Cons

Many customers on Google claim that the seeds have reasonable germination rates.

According to some customers on Google, customer service can be slow to respond.

They provide relatively fast shipping, according to customers on Google.

The site doesn’t have a phone number that you can use to contact them for follow-up.

They provide a two-year limited warranty provided you follow planting guidelines and seed storage.

International orders are limited to 10 seed packets per order.

6. Seed Savers Exchange

man sowing seeds in germination box
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Image credits: Olga Miltsova via Shutterstock

In business since 1975, the Seed Savers Exchange is more of a movement than an online store. Apart from buying seeds, you can even share and request seeds from different listers on their site's seed bank. Currently, the Seed Savers Exchange has a collection of over 20,000 rare, open-pollinated seeds for you to check out.

Pros

Cons

Their website provides detailed instructions for sowing and caring for different seed varieties.

You cannot cancel, alter, or modify an order after it’s placed.

The seeds are Non-GMO. They’re not treated with pesticides or chemicals.

They don’t provide expedited shipping.

You can exchange your seeds for rare ones through their seed bank if you find a lister.

A customer on BBB complained about receiving low-quality seeds and plants twice.

7. Swallowtail Garden Seeds

Founded in 1998, Swallowtail Garden Seeds has a wide selection of vegetable and flower seeds you can choose from. Apart from over 1,400 seed varieties, you'll find herbs and flowering vines to check out.

Pros

Cons

You can place a bulk order, but the minimum cart amount should be $100.

Bulk orders cannot be refunded or returned and can be canceled only within 48 hours of placing the order.

They provide gift cards starting from $10 to $100 that you gift to loved ones.

One-time replacement or refunds is limited to US customers.

They provide a one-year guarantee from the date of seed purchase.

For free priority shipping, you’ll need a minimum order of $125.

Botany Seeds Lately?

Seed Starter Mix

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Online shopping is a boon for gardeners who don't have the time or can't visit local nurseries to purchase seeds. While it's great to support local nurseries, unfortunately, sometimes it means bringing home low-quality seeds that may or may not germinate, regardless of your efforts.

When you buy seeds online, you can access reviews, complaints, feedback, and guidelines that can help you make the most of the penny you've paid for your seed. Remember to read the fine print and consider your USDA Zone before selecting your seeds.

Leave your experiences, thoughts, and questions in the comment section! And share with friends and family who might find this helpful.

Happy gardening!