Sheffield's Seed Company


269 Auburn Road
Locke, New York 13092 (United States)
(315) 497-1058
(315) 497-1059

Reviews:

positives
neutrals
negatives

Displaying the 23 most recent reviews

RatingContent
Positive
On Dec 14, 2022, Pinguicula (24 reviews) from Sitka, AK (Zone 7a)

I've ordered from Sheffield's quite a bit over the past few years and never been disappointed. Germination percentage varies but that's to be expected. Some plants are very difficult to germinate and some can take years. That's not the seller's fault. I've never had any packet completely fail to germinate. Some of the reviewers on here sound like they expect tree seeds to germinate like Pansies and that's just not how it works. The packets list all the necessary information and are very detailed. I really appreciate that.

Negative
On May 28, 2022, Redbudlover (1 reviews) from Wittmann, AZ

Ordered 50 Cercis Occidentalis seeds on 3/27/22, received them a few days later.Followed instructions to a T. After 3 weeks with no sign of any sprouts called this company and a man with a British accent answered. I was seeking info on why no sprouting, as I have previously had no problems with Cercis Canadensis that I grew from my own trees. This man was rude and then actually hung up on me! I called right back and he answered" you wanna try again?" To which I responded is this how you conduct your business? He claimed I as rude. Proceeded to tell me it wad new seed and needed more time. Its now May 28, and still not one sprout, hence this review. At the end of my call I said to him thanks for your time and have a nice day, to which I heard click! Again! I have no problem with a few dollars lost but I have no tolerance for bad business practices. And being hung up on is inexcusable Avoid this seed co. I have used Park seed and Gurneys with good results. Btw I have emailed Sheffield s two times and they have not responded.

Positive
On Dec 31, 2020, BBrandon77 (17 reviews) from Knoxville, TN (Zone 7a)

Sheffield's Seed Company is a wonderful resource with many hard-to-find types of seed. They always fill my orders quickly. Seed packets are well labeled and well packaged. I will definitely be ordering from them again! I do wish they could provide just a little better provenance information. Knowing whether the seeds were wild collected or from a garden source and knowing the general area (city, region, etc) would be very useful for certain applications.

Negative
On Dec 28, 2020, Claude123 (1 reviews) from Lodz,
Poland

Last October 2020,we ordered from Tim 1 pound of Chestnut Mollissima seeds (Chinese chestnut), they have been shipped from New York state (Locke), to Poland. We received them in good order, but a surprise! the smallest seed only 2 grams (two grams!!), the average of 25 smallest ones 3,76 grams, just imagine how they so small!!! the biggest one (only one at 11 grams). How to make a decent and strong tree with such genes from these very small seeds???This guy does not want to listen, does not answer on the phone, does not reply to email, he is behaving like thief who runs away after his rubbery! and of course he does not want to refund the money even with proof I sent him with pictures, explanation, and all details! PayPal, pfff they do nothing! How this guy can sell such ridiculous seeds, he has no shame seriously! DO NOT BUY OF COURSE FROM THAT GUY!

Negative
On Oct 11, 2020, Addison_VT4A (3 reviews)

Sheffield's charges a premium. Their seeds are generally good; and they are friendly--until they're not. Then, they act just a little bit better than some random guy on eBay. Unfortunately, Sheffield's is the only place to get certain things, but there are plenty of other places to get good seeds that don't charge so much. Since they don't seem to stand behind their product, I don't see any reason to order from Sheffield's if you need not.

Negative
On Jul 21, 2020, JohnOualline (2 reviews) from Santa Fe, NM

AVOID THIS SUPPLIER! I ordered and received two packages of Akebia Quinata (chocolate vine); about 40 seeds May 2020. I followed the instructions for planting. None of the seeds germinated. I requested replacement seeds, but was told the seeds were good and to wait several more weeks. Nothing germinated, but Tim at SS wanted photographs of the seeds that by then were in the ground for a month. Mid July and nothing has sprouted, and Tim refused to send replacement seeds.


Company representative comment on August 6, 2020:
On Aug 5, 2020 8:30 AM, Sheffield\\\'s Seed Company responded with:

Here at Sheffield\'s Seed Company we have spent over 40 years working hard to provide quality products, service and professionalism for our customers.
After emailing with John it was clear that he did not follow the growing information that were sent with the seeds and are also on our website at http://www.sheffields.com
For successful germination they are essential.
A little surprisingly he ordered from us again a couple of weeks after posting the negative comments.
All the best, Tim


On Aug 6, 2020 2:15 PM, Sheffield\'s Seed Company added:

Here at Sheffield's Seed Company we have spent over 40 years working hard to provide quality products, service and professionalism for our customers.
After emailing with John it was clear that he did not follow the growing information that was sent with the seeds and is also on our website at http://www.sheffields.com
For successful germination they are essential.
A little surprisingly he ordered from us again a couple of weeks after posting the negative comments.
All the best, Tim

Positive
On Apr 25, 2020, Basil989 (11 reviews) from Pueblo, CO (Zone 5b)

Posted on June 19, 2018, updated April 25, 2020 Look . . . this is the strangest seed company. They are esoteric. Their website is extremely user-unfriendly. When I use the site I feel shamed for not knowing the scientific name of the thing I'm searching for. Sometimes the product pictures are very candid and/or unflattering. I am almost always forced to learn something new when I visit the site. In other words, I love this company. Their selection is mind blowing. Tomato seeds? Yes. Hibicus? Sure. Japanese Maple? Choose from dozens of very specific types. You want opium poppies? Ok. How about poison ivy seeds? They got 'em! It's truly one of the most fascinating websites I've come across, commerce based or not. I can overlook the somewhat high shipping costs for this level of weird and diverse, especially since the seeds themselves are very reasonably priced. Also, I have always received my seeds promptly and the packets are VERY detailed with instructions. Sheffield's does not mess around. My seeds have always germinated (at various rates b/c I buy weird things) and I am overall a very pleased customer. I truly feel like this company has made me more knowledgeable about plants in general.


On April 25th, 2020, Basil989 added the following: New order for this year. They've changed their packets to more cost effective (no doubt) baggies with stickers that are still detailed. It was paper packets with baggies in them before, so it just cut out an extra step. Still the fastest to ship and great quality seeds. I go to them for my tree seed needs and they never disappoint- I got some great niche Japanese maples, redwood, and restocked my favorites like ginkgo, mimosa, jacaranda, and other bonsai types. I also appreciate their new efforts at social media on Facebook. It's responsible stewardship based stuff with good science behind it. It's always positive and makes me feel a little better about the world to see people genuinely care about stuff.

Positive
On Feb 5, 2019, YYD1209 (3 reviews)

I ordered twice. They sent seeds accurately. Germination rates are good. Cost of Phytosanitary Certificate is expensive.

Positive
On Aug 18, 2017, EM007 (9 reviews) from California City, CA

I placed several orders with this company in the last 3 years and their tree seeds have incredible germonation rates. Their prices are also very good and shipping is fast. No errors with orders so far or dead seeds.

Positive
On May 11, 2017, skitdora (1 reviews) from Wynantskill, NY

I enjoy growing trees and shrubs from seed and came across this company when trying to grow some plants listed in edible landscaping species lists. They have some very rare seeds. I like how their website gives germination rates for their seeds and lists when and where they got their seeds. I ordered 18 different seeds from them and have had great success. Within weeks of cold stratifying the seeds, I had all of the American chestnut germinate. That first spring, the majority of the seeds species I purchased germinated, even things they said had a very low rate of germination, sprouted. There are a few things that have taken two years to sprout, like the black hawthorn I bought. Last month everyone of the seeds suddenly took off growing. The black viburum, sassafras, and swamp rose have yet to germinate, but I don't blame the company. I have some seeds that a couple will germinate almost each month, for the past two years, like the scotch rose and dwarf almond. Even when I go collecting my own seeds I can have mixed success germinating them depending on the year. I think the germination quality of this company is quite acceptable. I find their selection of seed species wonderful, and I highly recommend this company if you want to grow trees and shrubs from seed. I initially order from them because I wanted yellowhorn seeds. Every single yellowhorn sprouted. I call that a great success.

Negative
On Feb 10, 2016, jbgarg (1 reviews)

They did not follow my shipping instructions, altough they confirmed that they will follow it. This caused delay in delivery what caused damange of the sent seeds. Can not recommend this company if you are outside of the USA.

Neutral
On Dec 28, 2014, IlhadoPico (4 reviews) from Sao Roque do Pico,
Portugal (Zone 11)

I bought seeds from them before, so I wanted to place another order, this time from overseas, but was shocked by their shipping charges: Priority Mail $49+ First Class International $13+ I used to send light envelopes with documents to overseas from USA and it would cost me $2.50 to $4 maximum. I could pay them $1-$2 extra for handling etc. but not $10 extra. That's as they noted untracked uninsured First Class (cheapest way). This is not a complaint, but a note, unfortunately I can't justify paying extra $10 for nothing to receive a very light (a few grans) envelope with a handful of very light tiny microscopic seeds. Unfortunately I can't give them anymore business unless its something I can't get elsewhere and everyone seems to have these seeds anyway, so I will just order elsewhere. As the last note, the seeds I bought from them before, none have germinated, but this could have been my fault as I may not have done the germination procedure 100% correctly.

Positive
On Dec 11, 2009, lenkach (1 reviews)

I have ordered 4 packs of seeds on the 25th of November and had them shipped to the Czech Republic. What was ordered was also delivered. It took 2 weeks for the delivery to come, which I find very reasonable. Cannot comment on the quality of the seeds as yet.

Positive
On Feb 27, 2008, jwulf (4 reviews) from Batavia, OH

I have been ordering seeds from this company every winter for that last 3-4 years and recently purchased a number of tree seeds from them including quercus and pinus. I have always been pleased with the quality of their product and have had very good results. It is sometimes hard to reach them live if you have a question but they have always returned my phone messages promptly.

Positive
On Sep 19, 2006, (0 reviews)

Sheffield's filled my order quickly and accurately. The order was carefully packed, clearly labeled, and well documented. The seed germinated at a rate as good or better than listed. Great experience! Will do it again soon.

Positive
On Mar 8, 2006, PlantsnobIN (31 reviews) from Paoli, IN

I emailed to get a shipping quote, rec'd reply very quickly, placed the order that afternoon and had the seeds within two days. Seeds will take up to two years to germinate on some, so can't speak to viabillity yet, but am very happy with the speed my order was shipped. The website is also a good source of info.

Neutral
On Dec 23, 2005, escambiaguy (5 reviews) from Atmore, AL (Zone 8b)

I ordered some white oak seeds and when I opened the package I noticed some type of larvae that looked like maggots. The seeds were already starting to germinate so I went ahead and planted them in containers. I destoyed all the larvae I found. They do need to watch better for things like this, but the seeds are growing just fine.

Positive
On Feb 20, 2005, slubberdegulion (33 reviews) from Roanoke, VA (Zone 7a)

I placed an order for sassafras seeds and received them quickly. For a pack of seeds, the price was a bit more than I would normally pay. However, a good number of seeds were included and if they germinate the price will be worth it as every attempt I've made to grow sassafras has failed (too difficult to transplant). The web-site was very nice and the seed pack had great detailed instructions on germination. I would order from them again.

Positive
On Dec 12, 2004, stewartiajon (3 reviews) from Bridgeport, CT

I have delalt with Sheffield Seed Company since 1986 !!!!!! Rick and Company have always been top shelf. He and his staff are very knowledgeable about seeds and the like. I have collected seed and sown it and bought the same same seed also from him and sown it ( various species) and had a few instances where the seed never came up. Only a few. My thoughts are that it was something that I was doing incorrectly ( i.e. poor drainage, lack of natural microbes, lack of a natural scarrifier etc.. The vagarities of seed propagation are enormous.See Norman Deno's work on this . Just this past year , I was given the knowlegge of how to germinate Stewartia malecodendron successfully. Up until then , I had just sown it in conventional medium. Little did I know about the 'other' requirements). I could have complained to someone about it in the past. But the point is that the problem was with in the way I was handling the seed not the purveyor ( it was a friend). They have always shipped it as they said it would come. As for the handling fees, they are fair considering the cost of labor these days and the time it takes to put these orders together ( I know because I have done it too). They have been more than fair with me over the years. A great place to shop and a great place to find neat things. Rick you and your crew have my vote anyday. 19 years and counting !!!! Jon A.

Positive
On Apr 20, 2004, JillNEPA (5 reviews) from Shickshinny, PA (Zone 5a)

I ordered a packet decaisnea fargesii, (blue bean shrub) from them on April 15th, they arrived on April 19th. The seed cost 8.95 and the shipping and handling was 7.71. The seed count at the site said 13 seeds but they sent 20 in the packet. So, I would have to say their shipping is a bit high but they are very prompt at sending out orders. As far as germination, I can't say just yet. However, from what people have told me the seeds are tricky to get going, so if nothing grows, I certainly won't fault Sheffields Seeds. It will most likely be the fault of my inexperience and brown thumb.


On April 20th, 2004, JillNEPA added the following: P.S. I haven't yet planted all my seeds. so if anyone knows about them or has some helpful tips, I would appreciate very much if you would click on my name and send along an email. Thank you

Neutral
On Sep 16, 2002, fgomezclones (2 reviews) from Glenmoore, PA

ON January 9, 2002 I ordered seeds from this company. 1 lb. of Ulmus pumila, 1/2 lb. of Ulmus Parvifolia and 2 grams of populus tremuloides, quaking aspen. Within 2 months, I knew the populus seeds would not grow at all, I emailed them and they refunded me for those seeds. About 4 months later, after going thru the process of stratification, I figured that the other seeds, would not grow either. I had sold many of them to my customers, and I planted several flats of these seeds. None of them ever germinated. I complainted to sheffield several times, they said they were investigating, and the problem was never resolved. I am out over $65 and I don't expect to see them again.


On October 10th, 2002, fgomezclones changed the rating from negative to neutral and added the following: October 2002 - 6 months after I started complaining, they decided to give me credit for the seeds that did not grow.
On October 10th, 2002, fgomezclones added the following: October 2002 - 6 months after I started complaining, they decided to give me credit for the seeds that did not grow.

Neutral
On Jul 1, 2001, (0 reviews)

Sheffield Seeds will tack on what I consider excessive handling charges. I've ordered from them twice and am happy with the seeds; just a little surprised by the final bill. Their web site is a wealth of information, even for seeds they do not currently have in stock.

Positive
On Jan 1, 2000, WRMason (1 reviews)

I've ordered several times over the last few months from Sheffield's and have been impressed by the quality and selection of seeds they have sent. They have a great web site with numerous rare (as well as common) tree seeds, and give decent instructions on scarification and stratification, saving a lot of time on research. You can order a pound of tree seeds for an incredible price - many under 10 dollars per pound - and the germination rate is great. I sowed a quarter pound of rare Chinese pine seedlings and have so many I will have to give most away. The service at Sheffields is great, and the ability to "charge my existing account" on their web site makes it unnecessary for me to send my credit card information across the net each time I order. A great place to order seeds of trees you haven't heard about anywhere else, for tinkering in the back yard nursery.

» Read the rest of the reviews
BACK TO TOP