Seeds from Amazon?

2 years ago

I was given some seed packets from Amazon. I’m not sure of the quality, but since these were free, I was thinking there’s no harm in trying them to see if they grow.

However it got me wondering: what’s the worst case scenario from buying seeds from Amazon? Is there a chance it could be something bad/invasive, instead of what is listed on the pack? As a side note, I already read that the forget me nots might spread, so I’ll skip those probably. Has anyone bought seeds from Amazon? Do you think they can be trusted? Again, I won’t be heart broken if they don’t grow, but am more so concerned about introducing something harmful to my garden and yard. I am new to gardening and slightly paranoid. I had knot weed come up at my last house which is the main source of my paranoia.

Here are the packs:

https://a.co/d/0JprvHp

https://a.co/d/7ysDVy0

https://a.co/d/iU62nU4

https://a.co/d/7z9KTAd

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Comments (5)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
2 years ago
They are not Amazon seeds - Amazon is only the broker for the actual seed companies. And the seeds themselves are common enough - poppies, lavender, zinnias, forget me nots. Nothing dangerous or invasive about any of those (even the FMN's - they freely self seed but are not considered invasive. Ditto the poppies).

The concern would be if the seeds originated from a foreign country - like China - but they all appear to be North American companies that you can research further if you wish. Since these are not mainstream seed companies, the quality of the seeds (age, germination rate, etc.) may be an issue.
Malbec
Original Author
2 years ago
Super helpful, thank you! I’ll see if I can find any more info on the companies. I’m not getting my hopes up too much for germination given what you said, but doesn’t hurt to try I guess. Having a garden is new to me so I’m still experimenting.
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rusty_blackhaw
2 years ago
I would avoid obscure/off-brand seeds in general because of concerns about proper identification and poor germination. A couple of these companies also dishonestly hype their products being "non-GMO", when there aren't _any_ GMO zinnia or lavender seeds available from anyone.

The possibility of zero germination, getting seed from a completely different genus/family of plants or detritus with no seeds at all is increased with sellers from China, the Far East, Russia, or former Soviet republics. The most obvious exploitation involves photoshopped ads offering seed from roses, plumerias, lilies etc. in rainbow colors that do not exist. Amazon runs a lot of these ads despite their being obvious frauds.
busylizzy
2 years ago
Yeah, i dont get from obsure suppliers either. Heck, i even had a issue with Baker Creek 2 years ago.
linaria_gw
2 years ago
personally I am weary of seeds from weird sources

I remember about 2 years ago a local Swiss supermarket chain gave away seed packets and stickers themed "native plants" and veggies

I remember one seed pack "produced in Netherlands", some other garden gadgets were all made in China

I tried and sowed Salvia pratensis, meadow sage (?) in our balcony box

all that came up was some weedy Brassicaceae, from the cabbage family, flowering yellow

I would only use them if you find decent web pages and good descriptions

at least poppy seeds look quite typically