Directory of Unusual & Specialty Seed Companies
| Company Name | Website | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| HEIRLOOM & RARE SEED SPECIALISTS | ||
| Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds / Rare Seeds | https://www.rareseeds.com/ | 1,200+ rare open-pollinated heirlooms, international varieties, free shipping |
| Seed Savers Exchange | https://seedsavers.org/ | Largest non-governmental seed bank (20,000+ varieties), member seed exchange network |
| Tatiana’s TOMATObase | https://tatianastomatobase.com/ | Heritage tomatoes, 2,000+ varieties catalogued with historical documentation |
| Victory Seeds | https://victoryseeds.com/ | Rare open-pollinated heirlooms, tobacco varieties, family-owned |
| Everwilde Farms | https://www.everwilde.com/ | Native wildflowers, open-pollinated vegetables, mylar vault packaging |
| San Diego Seed Company | https://sandiegoseedcompany.com/ | Rare seeds with detailed sourcing stories, farmer/traveler contributions |
| Thresh Seed Co. | https://www.threshseed.com/ | Lesser-known heirloom varieties, “Rare Gems” collection |
| Southern Exposure Seed Exchange | https://www.southernexposure.com/ | Southern heirlooms, naturally colored cotton, worker-owned cooperative |
| MI Gardener | https://migardener.com/ | 750+ varieties, mostly $2/packet, budget-friendly heirlooms |
| EXOTIC & INTERNATIONAL SEEDS | ||
| Rare Exotic Seeds | https://www.rarexoticseeds.com/en/ | Tropical plants, palms, bonsai, carnivorous plants, exotic flowers |
| The Exotic Seed Emporium | https://exoticseedemporium.com/ | 1,750+ varieties, carnivorous plants, ferns, orchids, unusual trees |
| Smart Seeds Emporium | https://www.smartseedsemporium.com/ | Exotic rare seeds for advanced gardeners |
| Seedman.com | https://www.seedman.com/ | 3,000+ varieties, novelty plants, tobacco, tropical greenhouse plants |
| Trade Winds Fruit | https://www.tradewindsfruit.com/ | 1,500+ rare tropical fruits, peppers, tomatoes, ultra-rare species |
| Kitazawa Seed Company | https://kitazawaseedcompany.com/ | America’s oldest Asian vegetable company (est. 1917), 500+ Japanese/Chinese/Korean/Thai/Indian varieties |
| Plant World Seeds | https://www.plant-world-seeds.com/ | 3,500+ varieties, rare & unusual, UK-based with global shipping |
| Chiltern Seeds | https://www.chilternseeds.co.uk/ | 2,500+ varieties since 1975, unusual specialties, UK family business |
| Kokopelli Seeds (Association Kokopelli) | https://kokopelli-semences.com/en/ | French non-profit, 2,500+ free/reproducible heirloom varieties, biodiversity preservation |
| She Grows Veg (UK) | https://shegrowsveg.com/ | Rare/exclusive/limited edition heirlooms, viral social media varieties |
| CARNIVOROUS PLANT SPECIALISTS | ||
| California Carnivores | https://www.californiacarnivores.com/collections/seeds | Venus flytraps, pitcher plants, sundews with detailed growing guides |
| Carnivorous Plant Nursery | https://carnivorousplantnursery.com/collections/seeds | Hand-harvested carnivorous seeds with stratification instructions |
| Ferri Seeds | https://ferriseeds.com/collections/carnivorous | Canadian company, extensive carnivorous selection, international shipping |
| REGIONAL & CLIMATE-ADAPTIVE SPECIALISTS | ||
| Adaptive Seeds (Oregon) | https://www.adaptiveseeds.com/ | Open-pollinated for diverse climates, original breeding projects |
| Siskiyou Seeds (Oregon) | https://www.siskiyouseeds.com/ | Bio-regional seed hub, organic, Southwest Oregon farm-grown |
| Uprising Seeds (Washington) | https://www.uprisingorganics.com/ | Washington’s first 100% organic certified, maritime Northwest adapted |
| Fruition Seeds (New York) | https://www.fruitionseeds.com/ | Certified organic, short-season adapted, Finger Lakes farm-grown |
| Wild Garden Seed (Oregon) | https://www.wildgardenseed.com/ | Frank Morton’s farm-original salad greens, vegetables, herbs, flowers |
| Nichols Garden Nursery (Oregon) | https://nicholsgardennursery.com/ | 600+ varieties, original Safe Seed Pledge signer |
| Fedco Seeds (Maine) | https://fedcoseeds.com/ | Worker-owned cooperative, cold-hardy Northern varieties, witty catalog |
| Johnny’s Selected Seeds (Maine) | https://www.johnnyseeds.com/ | Professional quality seeds since 1973, extensive trial gardens |
| High Mowing Seeds (Vermont) | https://www.highmowingseeds.com/ | 100% certified organic, non-GMO, eco-conscious gardening |
| Heirloom Mountain Seedswoman (Colorado) | https://www.heirloommountain.com/ | Harsh desert climate specialists, heirloom tomatoes, rare melons |
| Terroir Seeds / Underwood Gardens (Arizona) | https://underwoodgardens.com/ | Arid Southwest tested, Southwestern & Mexican specialty varieties |
| Native Seeds/SEARCH (Arizona) | https://www.nativeseeds.org/ | Arid-adapted crops from desert Southwest & Mexico, conservation focus |
| Grand Prismatic Seed (Utah) | https://www.grandprismaticseed.com/ | Native desert plants, medicinal herbs, natural dye plants |
| Prairie Moon Nursery (Minnesota) | https://www.prairiemoon.com/ | 700+ native species for prairies/woodlands/meadows, largest native plant collection |
| Pinetree Garden Seeds (Maine) | https://www.superseeds.com/ | 1,300+ varieties since 1979, family-owned, beginner-friendly, smaller packet sizes |
| Botanical Interests (Colorado) | https://www.botanicalinterests.com/ | 600+ varieties, extensive packet info/artwork, educational focus |
| ETHNOBOTANICAL & BIODIVERSITY PRESERVATION | ||
| J.L. Hudson, Seedsman | https://www.jlhudsonseeds.net/ | Botanical biodiversity, rare/threatened/endangered plants, ethnobotany, text-based catalog, 100+ years |
| Sheffield’s Seed Company (New York) | https://sheffields.com/ | 2,200+ varieties in stock, trees/shrubs/flowers/herbs, global sourcing for 30+ years |
| Experimental Farm Network | https://store.experimentalfarmnetwork.org/ | Non-profit, 640+ varieties from 50+ growers, collaborative plant breeding |
| Truelove Seeds (Philadelphia) | https://trueloveseeds.com/ | Culturally important seeds from 50+ small farmers, 30% sales to growers |
| CANADIAN SEED COMPANIES (Ship to US) | ||
| West Coast Seeds (British Columbia) | https://www.westcoastseeds.com/ | 1,000+ varieties, non-GMO untreated seeds, certified organic options, ships to US ($9.99 flat rate) |
| Veseys Seeds (Prince Edward Island) | https://www.veseys.com/ | Over 80 years, full line of vegetables/flowers/fruits/herbs, Safe Seed Pledge signer |
| Incredible Seed Company (Nova Scotia) | https://www.incredibleseeds.ca/ | 500+ open-pollinated heirloom varieties, off-grid family business, GMO-free, adapted to Canadian climates |
| Richters Herbs (Ontario) | https://www.richters.com/ | Largest herb specialist since 1969, 800+ culinary/medicinal herbs, ships internationally, live plants & seeds |
| Annapolis Seeds (Nova Scotia) | https://annapolisseeds.com/ | Atlantic Canada adapted, open-pollinated, rare variety preservation, international shipping |
| William Dam Seeds (Ontario) | https://www.damseeds.ca/ | Family-run since 1940s, Dutch heritage varieties, ships to US and internationally |
| Ontario Seed Company (OSC Seeds) | https://www.oscseeds.com/ | 125+ years, family-owned, extensive vegetable and flower selection |
| Halifax Seed Company (Nova Scotia) | https://halifaxseed.ca/ | Family-owned since 1866, carries Suttons Seeds from UK, ships to US |
| Prairie Garden Seeds (Saskatchewan) | https://prairiegardenseeds.ca/ | Cold-hardy prairie-adapted varieties, open-pollinated heirlooms |
| Rainbow Seeds (New Brunswick) | https://www.rainbowseeds.ca/ | Maritime-adapted varieties at reasonable prices |
| T&T Seeds (Manitoba) | https://www.ttseeds.com/ | Manitoba-based with 2,000+ varieties, 122+ years in business |
| ITALIAN SEED COMPANIES (Ship to US) | ||
| Seeds from Italy / Franchi Seeds | https://www.growitalian.com/ | US distributor for Franchi Seeds (Italy’s oldest family seed company, est. 1783), 500+ Italian heirloom varieties, untreated, most open-pollinated, many certified organic |
| The Heirloom Seed Store | https://www.theheirloomseedstore.com/ | 400+ varieties of Franchi Old World Italian Seeds imported directly from Italy, non-GMO, open-pollinated |
| Italian Garden Seeds (Canada) | https://www.italiangardenseeds.com/ | Authentic Italian seeds for Canadian growers, brings Italian flavor traditions |
| EUROPEAN SEED COMPANIES (Ship to US) | ||
| OTHER EUROPEAN SEED COMPANIES (Ship to US) | ||
| Chiltern Seeds (UK) | https://www.chilternseeds.co.uk/ | 2,500+ varieties since 1975, rare specialties, requires USDA APHIS Small Lots permit for US orders |
| Plant World Seeds (UK) | https://www.plant-world-seeds.com/ | 3,500+ varieties, rare & unusual, 35+ years experience, global shipping |
| B&T World Seeds (France) | https://b-and-t-world-seeds.com/ | 40,000+ species, largest selection worldwide, rare collectors’ seeds, ships internationally (delivery times vary) |
| Kokopelli Seeds / Association Kokopelli (France) | https://kokopelli-semences.com/en/ | French non-profit, 2,500+ free/reproducible heirloom varieties, biodiversity preservation |
| Magic Garden Seeds (Germany) | https://www.magicgardenseeds.com/ | 1,000+ plant varieties, heirloom vegetables, ethnobotanical plants from around the world, medicinal herbs, ships internationally |
| AUSTRALIAN SEED COMPANIES (Most domestic only, some exceptions) | ||
| Australian Seed (Western Australia) | https://www.australianseed.com/ | Most diverse range in Australia, native/vegetable/flower/exotic seeds, registered export establishment, ships internationally with phytosanitary certificates |
| The Diggers Club (Victoria) | https://www.diggers.com.au/ | 98% heirloom vegetables, varieties passed down for generations/centuries, historic garden preservation |
| Fair Dinkum Seeds (Queensland) | https://fairdinkumseeds.com/ | Native Australian bush tucker, rare tropical fruits, unusual heirlooms, hand-grown & hand-harvested (domestic shipping only) |
| Seed Freaks (Tasmania) | https://seedfreaks.com.au/ | 400+ varieties Australian-grown heritage seeds, regenerative farming, rare varieties, acclimatized to local conditions (Note: temporarily closed for online sales as of Sept 2025) |
| Happy Valley Seeds | https://www.happyvalleyseeds.com.au/ | Heirloom, open-pollinated, chemical-free, untreated & non-GMO seeds |
| Survival Seeds Australia (Queensland) | https://survivalseeds.com.au/ | Heirloom seed kits, non-GMO, family business in Toowoomba, free shipping Australia-wide |
| The Seed Collection (Victoria) | https://www.theseedcollection.com.au/ | Heirloom, open-pollinated, non-GMO with no chemical treatments, minimal waste packaging, bulk options |
| Eden Seeds (Queensland) | https://www.edenseeds.com.au/ | Well-known Australian supplier, available in local shops and online |
| The Italian Gardener (South Australia) | https://www.theitaliangardener.com.au/ | Australian distributor for Franchi Sementi (Italian seeds), some organic lines |
| SOUTH AMERICAN SEED COMPANIES | ||
| Note: Most South American seed companies (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, etc.) focus on commercial/professional agriculture markets and large-scale farming operations. They typically do not ship retail quantities to the US. Major players include SANPA Semillas (Argentina), Boa Safra Sementes (Brazil), and various subsidiaries of international companies. For South American vegetable varieties, US gardeners should look to US-based companies like Native Seeds/SEARCH, Terroir Seeds, or specialty importers. | ||
| UKRAINIAN & RUSSIAN HERITAGE SEEDS | ||
| NIKITOVKA Seeds (Ukraine) – via Etsy | https://www.etsy.com/shop/NIKITOVKASeedsStore | Ukrainian/Russian heirloom varieties, family-passed seeds, ships from Ukraine during wartime (Note: main website closed, available on Etsy and Amazon) |
| TREE SEED & NURSERY SPECIALISTS | ||
| Sheffield’s Seed Company (New York) | https://sheffields.com/ | 2,200+ varieties in stock, trees/shrubs/flowers/herbs, global sourcing for 30+ years, extensive germination guides |
| Lawyer Nursery (Montana) | https://www.lawyernursery.com/ | Family business since 1959, bareroot wholesale nursery, ornamental trees/shrubs and tree seeds |
| Cold Stream Farm (Michigan) | https://www.coldstreamfarm.net/ | Since 1978, wholesale/retail bareroot tree & shrub nursery, conifers/deciduous trees/shrubs for wildlife habitat, no minimum order |
| Burnt Ridge Nursery & Orchards (Washington) | https://www.burntridgenursery.com/ | Since 1980, 600+ improved varieties of edible nut/fruit trees, vines, shrubs, tree seeds, Northwest natives |
| Oikos Tree Crops (Michigan) – CLOSED 2021 | https://oikostreecrops.com/ | Nursery closed but still active in plant breeding/seed exchange, perennial edible food plants, oak/hickory/walnut/chestnut breeding, bulk seeds available, Instagram: #oikostreecrops |
| Forest Agriculture Nursery / New Forest Farm (Wisconsin) | https://newforestfarm.us/forest-agriculture-nursery/ | Mark Shepard’s breeding program, cold-climate hybrid chestnuts & hazelnuts (-52°F to 112°F tested), agroforestry focus |
| North Point Forest Farm Supply (Virginia) | https://northpointffs.com/ | Research-focused, affordable tree crops seedlings, hybrid chestnuts, agroforestry, biofuel, edible landscaping |
| Barred Owl Brook Farm (New York) | https://www.barredowlbrookfarm.com/nursery | Northern NY, very cold-hardy adaptable tree crops, reasonable prices |
| Perfect Circle Farm (Vermont) | https://perfectcircle.farm/ | Zone 4 Vermont, Buzz Ferver master grafter/propagator, cold-hardy trees & shrubs |
| Silver Run Forest Farm (Virginia) | https://silverrunforestfarm.org/nursery | Food forest offerings for warmer climates, permaculture plants, generally hardy to colder areas too |
| Forest Gardens (Georgia) | https://www.forestgardensfarm.com/ | Southern Piedmont Athens GA, edible & ecological plants for Southeast, productivity & resilience focus |
| Montana Conservation Seedling Nursery (DNRC) | https://dnrc.mt.gov/forestry/Conservation-Nursery/ | Since 1927, 1+ million seedlings annually, native plants, wild-collected eco-appropriate seeds, conservation/restoration focus |
| SPECIALTY & UNIQUE FOCUS COMPANIES | ||
| Sandia Seed Company (New Mexico) | https://www.sandiaseed.com/ | World’s best selection of New Mexican chile seeds, 100+ specialty peppers, Mexican varieties, Hatch chiles |
| Gourmet Seed International | https://www.gourmetseed.com/ | Rare Italian and French heirlooms, focus on exceptional flavor, rare greens like silene |
| Hudson Valley Seed Company (New York) | https://hudsonvalleyseed.com/ | Artist-designed Art Pack seed packets, regionally adapted, seed library origins |
| Chocolate Flower Farm (Washington) | https://www.chocolateflowerfarm.com/ | Improved Chocolate Cosmos, dark-colored specialty flowers, breeding program |
| Eden Brothers | https://www.edenbrothers.com/ | Certified non-GMO rare & unusual heirloom flowers |
| Peace Seedlings | http://peaceseedlingsseeds.blogspot.com/ | Breeds for diversity, psychedelic zinnia mixes, catalog via blog |
Compiled list of unusual & specialty seed companies | Last updated: January 2026
Includes companies from USA, Canada, Ukraine, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Australia
International Shipping Note: Many international orders require phytosanitary certificates and/or import permits. Check with the company and your local USDA office before ordering.