Comments regarding Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co.

I recently read that although this company makes grandiose claims of working with small farmers all around the world, it is fair to assume that most of their seed is sourced from China. I read this on a blog, the blogger stating that she called Baker Creek and this statement was made by a representative of the company.

Does anyone else seem to think that is misleading, based on how they market their seed?

"On Feb 7, 2020 4:53 PM, Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co. responded with:

We're sorry to hear that someone said this, as it is completely untrue. There are a couple of reputable companies in China that we deal with, but we also deal with companies all over the world. We do have a network of small growers that we contract to grow seed for us, and we get a great number of our varieties from them."

There is a wonderful selection of uncommon seeds as well as standard offerings, fair prices, more than fair shipping costs (free), free seeds included with every order, and fast answer time if one writes with a question or problem. Seed selection does change over time. Seeds from Baker Creek have a good germination rate, even after a few years, and the plants grow well in my zone 5 garden. Give these people a try if you have not done so already.

I've ordered from them at least 10 times in the last 8 years, nearly all seeds but a few starts and slips. Shipping is fast, seed is productive, everything is high-quality. I've had only one dead seed packet in that time, and it was a real fluke (ordered 3 seed packets of a Peruvian chili; 2 had 75% germination; 1 had 0%). The only "negative" I can say about this company is that they describe everything they sell in very positive terms, and some of their descriptions turn out to be overly optimistic...some seeds are rare for a good reason.

My go to source for everything as long as they have it. I have spent hundreds on their seeds and have no complaints. They have great customer service, as you will see if you look at any negative reviews they get, they fix it.

I've rarely had issue with anything from them, and the one thing that didn't grow well was a difficult to germinate plant that I didn't baby enough. They also send out tones of freebies. In my most recent order they sent me more than they even listed, I was supposed to get 3 varieties and they sent 5!

Great company.

I only started ordering from Baker Creek this winter, but they are fast becoming my favorite. 1. Their seeds seem to germinate faster and more completely than whatever else is starting alongside them. 2. The seed counts always seem to be ample.

3. Free shipping! Realize you forgot something? No problem -- even one packet ships free.

This is my first experience with Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, but I am so ready to start them, both inside and also for direct sowing in the spring. Unfortunately, I will have to wait a month or two to do that. I asked for and received them as gifts from Santa. Since I have not had a chance to plant yet, I cannot give a review of germination and if the plants live up to their promise.

I am surprised at the prices of the seeds - very reasonable - and they arrived quickly and well-packaged in a beautiful padded bag.

Room for improvement: One thing was both a positive and a neutral: on the one hand, I received TWO free packets of seeds, which was a pleasant surprise. Unfortunately, one of the packets was a duplicate of one in my order. I'm thrilled to try the free dark purple opal basil, but since I ordered cilantro, the free cilantro pack is a mixed blessing, especially since it requires cool conditions and I live in a hotter climate with brutal summer temperatures. It was free, so I can't really complain, but something different (like the basil) would have multiplied the excitement factor. If the free seeds are selected randomly, it's the luck of the draw; if they are chosen by someone filling the order, more care could be taken when including a free packet. Again, it is free, and I appreciate it. I will share with a friend. Also, I wish there were more information in the catalog and on the seed packages. This is not a huge deal because I can research planting specifics on the Internet. If most of the company's customers are experienced gardeners who already know this, I see why they might want to spend the limited space allotted to describe each plant, building up the wow factor.

If I have a good germination rate and at least 50% of my plants live and produce, I will be happy and a repeat customer. I am so excited about this purchase, it is all I can do to keep from ordering the 25 packet heirloom seed collection on page 145. I would have ordered it already but am afraid it might contain duplicates of the twelve packages I just received. The product description does not provide a list. Maybe the list is random or varies depending upon seeds in stock, so the selection varies?

I will not bore you by mentioning everything I ordered, but the SAXA 2 radishes (page 78) mature in 18 days! That is amazing. If all these heirloom seeds live up to their reputation, I will be asking for them for every birthday, anniversary, Christmas, and any other holiday that can conceivably elicit a gift from now until I am no longer able to tend a garden.

I almost forgot to mention: I totally appreciate that Baker Creek offers free shipping. That is value added to my already awesome purchase. That is the equivalent of another package of free seeds! Thank you Baker Creek.

My only complaint about Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds (rareseeds.com) is that their catalog is too tempting. Every year I say I have enough and then I look in the catalog and I'm lost... So many new and unusual things to try. I can't just buy one, it's worse than Lay's potato chips.

Really no complaints here. Ease of ordering, shipping, communication are all good. Really wish I could get to one of the fairs they advertise.

I do not place a lot of orders, as my garden is small and I save my own seed from year to year, but when I do get new seed Baker Creek is my first go-to. Great variety, very prompt service, and with free shipping they are competitive with better seed offered at retail garden shops. Their seeds have generally performed well, with robust plants and good harvest. Had poor germination once and e-mailed them about it with the thought they might like to check out the seed lot, not really expecting anything back, but lo and behold, they sent along with their apologies a duplicate order with a pack of free seeds to boot. That second lot exceeded all expectations. I also like their company story and progressive attitude.

Very good seeds that grow into beautiful plants. Shipping and delivery is very prompt and typically earlier than estimated. They also include a free seed pack with every order, adding more the more seeds you buy. Affordable seeds that are great for sustainable farming/gardening because they're all open pollinated and the seeds are savable.

Fast shipping A+++++

Very pleased with my purchase of tissue cultured fig plants from Baker Creek. The price is fantastic and each plant is actually bigger than I anticipated. While shipping takes 2 weeks to process, customer service was very helpful in answering my questions.

Free shipping for everything in 2019, woohoo!

Great selection, quality, germination, and shipment.

4/30/19....received seed order after some delay...contacted baker creek about order not received...they found the shipping problem and fixed the mistake....this was done quickly...they have good seeds with a high germination rate,,,have ordered from them for many years...

Promptly sent the seeds I ordered. Hoping for good tomatoes this year!

Prompt service and quality seeds. My 3rd year ordering from them and I will continue to do so in the future.

When I noticed that a successful YouTube gardener used Baker Creek "Giant of Italy" parsley, I ordered some, along with some tomato and pepper seeds. The parsley germinated well in the garden (on its own timetable, as is normal for parsley). I now have about 20 very healthy parsley plants.

I enjoy the "bonus" seeds that they send with each order. We had so many "Black Vernissage" tomatoes last year!

Baker Creek ships quickly, and their seeds germinate very well. I recommend them to everyone.

Wonderful seeds. Excellent variety (obviously). Super quick shipping.

Love their catalogue, the wide selection of rare heirloom seeds, and the prices. The order I placed arrived promptly, so I didn't have to stress about having the seeds in time, and the customer service is great. I would definitely recommend this company and will be ordering from them again.

Love the catalog, and the seeds. Fast service, and the free packages are a nice gift. I look forward to ordering again.

My order arrived lightning fast, in perfect condition, and with a couple free seed packets of varieties I’ll actually use. 100% satisfied with my purchase.

I am always amazed at how fast my orders are processed. Everything is just great and my orders arrive in about one week. There are no additional shipping charges. The selection of seeds is amazing and at times overwhelming, but in a good way. love this company! Keep up the good work.

I have ordered from this company for several years and I love their products, their philosophy and their catalogs. This company also supports a very worthwhile non-profit organization in my area by providing free seeds to them each year to help people become more independent with growing their own food. I love Bakers Creek! I have never had a problem with the seeds I order and I enjoy reading the information in their catalog tremendously.

Good company. Always good seeds. Good plants as well. Will always buy from them. Crop failures happen but they always refund or give you another choice. You can always try next year. Yes that part stinks. But if theres a crop failure you probably cant get it anywhere else for that matter.

I have ordered from Baker Creek many times. They have always been fantastic.. What I like the most is the big variety of unusual seeds from all over the world. Many new ones this year from China and Japan. I always like how they put in a couple for free seed packets. Highly recommend them.

Some of the things I've ordered weren't adapted to my more northern climate, but most have done great. I wish they had a catalog just for the north. Really nice catalog, pretty decent prices, and great service. Free seed packets and quick shipping.

This was my first time purchasing from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co and I was very disappointed in the germination rates. While the mini pink popcorn was near 100%, the yellow corn was less than 50%. Cowpeas and okra were less than 50%. Telephone tall peas were around 30%. All of these had to be planted more than once to get anywhere near 80% germination.

These represent more than 2/3 of my garden. I'm very hesitant to use the seeds I've saved.

I'm debating on doing future business with this company.

"On Nov 7, 2018 10:08 AM, Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co. responded with:

We're sorry to hear you had trouble with your seed, though it sounds like you did achieve 80% germination on your second planting? We have a passing germ test on all lots of seed before we offer them for sale, but many things can happen to the seed after it leaves our warehouse that can affect germination, including irradiation by the postal service. This is one of the reasons we offer a 2 year germination guarantee on all of our seeds. We guarantee that our seeds will germinate to at least industry standards for that type, or we will send you replacement seed or issue you a refund. We have not heard from you on this issue other than here. Please email us at seeds@rareseeds.com with a list of varieties you had an issue with, and we'd be happy to work with you to resolve this."

Ordered three different types of watermelon seeds. All germinated and grew well. One never set fruit but the others did and were true to type. Will be ordering more plants for next season from the.

Baker Creek always ships my orders quickly and completely, and I admire the good works they do. They focus on saving and passing on heirloom seeds; they donate seeds to areas hit by disasters whose farms have been damaged; they donate seeds to children's and community gardens; they offer educational and recreational programs at their farm to teach the importance of knowing where our food comes from and how wonderful it can be for children to plant a few seeds too. I can recommend Baker's Creek Rare Seeds highly to everyone who gardens.

Ordered a bulk cacti mix just for fun. Planted according to instructions. After 2 months of no germination contacted the company and received a replacement pack. Now again, no germination. I have germinated other seeds from other source with great success. Some planted weeks after the replacement pack. Not really excited to have wasted money on seeds and shipping.

Positive note: the company was very quick to respond.

"On Oct 8, 2018 2:39 PM, Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co. responded with:

We're sorry to hear the seed did not do well for you! We always have a valid germ test before we offer any lot of seed for sale, but there are many things that can affect germination of the seeds after it leaves our warehouse, including irradiation of the package by a mail service. This is one of the reasons we offer a 2 year germination guarantee on our seeds. I have issued you a refund for the packet of seeds, and another refund for the shipping costs you paid."

I have no problems with the commerce part of this company. I think they have great photography, good prices, good shipping, and I have been at least somewhat successful with the seeds I have purchased. (Can't get the sweet peas to blossom . . .)

But I feel very, very uncomfortable with the bad science and fear-mongering they promote on their social media and I have noticed it cropping up in other inappropriate places as well, to the point where it appears that representatives of Baker Creek are actually promoting false scientific claims to their customer base.

By politicizing their company, Baker Creek is committing a cardinal sin in the business world- they are actively turning away customers who do not want to see a very complex topic turned into a selling tool used to pander to a group of under-informed consumers.

I cannot give my money to a company that attempts to grow its customer base by reeling in the gullible and ignorant. That does not sit right with my conscience.

So far everything seems just fine. Handling and shipping took 8 days which was expected so im happy with that.

Tons of seeds thats for sure pretty much every packet has a decent bit above the stated quantity so im happy about that especially the packets that were only supposed to contain a handful. Ill update my comment about germination success rate here before long.

Baker Creek has been my go-to for herb and veggie seeds for about two years. I've ordered dozens of varieties (if not hundreds) from them, and out of everything I've only had the following failures:

1) Ginger. They sent tiny little slips that were barely rooted and died immediately.
2) Rosemary. The seeds didn't grow. I know it's hard to germinate rosemary, but I can grow anything. Except these Baker Creek rosemary seeds.
3) PawPaw Trees. I ordered five seeds. They sent me seven. I followed the directions exactly. Not one of them sprouted.

Everything else - tomatoes, peppers, squash, herbs, flowers - do lovely. I even bought passionflower vines that are all still alive, despite the abuse of children.

I will continue to use Baker Creek as my primary source for seeds for all time. :)

Five years ago I looked into heirloom seeds and this is one of the companies I tried out, for the most part I only grow vegetables and for the hard to grow plants I buy the plants directly to have better success.
I've been ordering every year from Baker Creek Seed Company and the dedication to the plants they grow and seeds they have available, is amazing. I get a FREE catalog in the mail every year, with all or most of the seeds/plants/trees they are selling, my family and I find the catalog a great aide and we all circle what we want and go order online.
We are also thankful for the free seed packet, the giant sunflowers are a hit with our family and neighbors, we get with every order.
And when I order live plants I know exactly how many I need and how many they will deliver to make sure I am successful even if one or a few don't make it, due to various reasons.
I do remember a few years ago, I ordered a specific variety of carrot seeds, turns out, they were the wrong seeds, Baker Creek took care of me ASAP with great customer service, I received a new carrot seed packet with the correct seeds and a card with a code for a free future purchase of seeds. Great customer service and they really go out of their way to help.
They have annual festivals to attend, and they are the BEST, definitely worth the drive.

Always a pleasure to deal with these people! Never a problem in probably a decade now of buying their seeds. You can tell when the people who are selling the seeds are actually growing them, too, or just selling someone else's seeds. They even provide wonderful proof with pictures of the whole family getting into the business. It's heartwarming and I feel like I know them from their wonderfully huge and colorful catalogs showing pictures of many of the plants they grow and showing them doing what they do best. Keep up the great work folks!! We love it all!

Posted on April 23, 2018, updated April 25, 2018
ordered 12 different seed varieties. More than half had extremely poor germination.(less than 50%) seeds were greenhouse planted with grow lights and bottom heat. seed packages contained very little germination/planting/growing/zone information.

"On Apr 24, 2018 2:19 PM, Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co. responded with:

We are so sorry you had this experience. All of our seeds are guaranteed for two years after the date of purchase to germinate and grow true to type or we will replace them or refund.
We test all of our seeds to meet or exceed USDA germination requirements and we then grow out our varieties in our trial gardens in Mansfield , MO, to test drive the heirloom varieties prior to offering them for sale to the public.
Even with all of that, there are many things that can happen to the seeds once they leave our warehouse, including being irradiated by the postal service. We want to know when things go wrong so we can promptly correct the issue!

Please advise us as to how you would like us to handle that, would like replacement or refund. Please e-mail seeds@rareseeds.com ATTN: Customer Service or call 417-924-8917 M-F 9-4 CST or please let us know the best time to reach you via phone and best number to call, please reply in our FB message thread where we have been conversing. Thank you for your patience while we work to correct this issue!



"

Really dissapointed with the shipping speed.

"On Apr 16, 2018 3:25 PM, Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co. responded with:

We're so sorry to hear you were disappointed in us! Was it the length of time until we shipped the order, or the length of time it took to arrive once it was shipped? We'd love to work with you on this so that you are satisfied in the future. Please email us at seeds@rareseeds.com with ATTN: Lisa O in the subject line."

I've been buying my seeds from Baker Creek for years! I love their selection and fast shipping. It's especially fun for me to grow some of their wide variety of tomato plants each year. Even with my brown thumbs, I get some edible food every year (knock on wood)! I've had great results saving seeds from plants grown with their seeds. Also, I got some of their seed garlic to plant in the fall of 2016, it did well, and I was able to plant its descendants in the fall of 2017. Hopefully it keeps self-perpetuating! The free seeds with every order are fun too.

Shipping was fast and I like their website. I like that I can find varieties there that are difficult to find elsewhere. Very delighted by the free seeds too!

Had a most pleasant experience ordering Abe Lincoln and Roma tomatoes along with bhut jolokia peppers. They also provided a sample that I have also started. Very well done and artsy website, their catalog is even better. Fast shipping and reasonable prices. Another new go to place for us.