Comments regarding Pinetree Garden Seeds

I have ordered seeds from them for many years but this year things have changed for the worse. I’m an experienced greenhouse grower and the germination rate for this year’s seed was next to zero. Maybe they changed suppliers but the prices went up while the quality went down. One seed packet was just an empty envelope. I called immediately to ask for a replacement but have received nothing. The very expensive seed potatoes were finally shipped in just a standard cardboard mailer envelope and arrived damaged, the post office even put a sticker on there and tried to tape it back together. Very disappointing and I will be buying elsewhere next year.

This used to be a wonderful company. Loved the huge variety in seeds and the ability to buy just a small amount for very reasonable prices. I had shopped here since 2008 for all of our family’s seed needs but unfortunately will no longer do so. In 2017 all of our purchases had extremely poor germination rates, which I chalked up to a stroke of bad luck. In 2018 my order took forever to ship and when I reached out to the company, was told they actually didn’t have one of the seeds I had ordered in stock. Apparently nobody was going to bother to tell me this, they were just going to leave my order in limbo. When it finally showed up, the germination rates were absolutely atrocious - less than 5%. We have since taken our business elsewhere - growing seasons are far too short to waste on a company like this.

I ordered seeds from Pinetree. They were very delayed due to the Covid problems. I was not upset with them, but asked to cancel the order and get a refund. I told them that I would order again next year. I sent several emails and left a voice-mail. Today I received notice that they had shipped my seeds. They had plenty of time to stop my order. I will not be planting any more seeds at this point in spring and I had told them that detail. This is money down the drain. Maybe their product is good, but I will never know. I will never reorder after being ignored.

On 4/14/20 I placed a seed order with Pinetree and 1 other seed company. I got my seeds from the other company in short order. On 4/29/20 Pinetree refunded half my order and told me the other half would ship the first week in May. On 4/29/20 I placed an order with another company for the seeds Pinetree canceled on me. I got the seeds from the other company on 5/5/20. I contacted Pinetree on 5/5/20 by email asking where my order was and if it would ship. On 5/6/20 I got 2 emails from Pinetree, the first email said my order was being picked and packed. The second email said my order had shipped and contained a tracking number and link to track for the USPS. The link and the tracking number were bogus, the tracking number contained 31 digits. A USPS tracking number can only have 22 digits. I looked at Pinetree's Facebook page and saw another customer also got a bogus tracking number and tracking email of shipment at the end of April. Here I am almost 1 month later and I don't have my seeds. All I have gotten is a bogus shipping email with a bogus tracking number, and bogus link for tracking. I am a first time customer of this company. I will not be placing another order with them again. All the seed companies have been overrun with orders this year because of the COVID-19 virus. They are all short on help, but they are managing to get their orders out. There is no excuse for the poor service Pinetree is giving their customers. I saw on Facebook people have placed orders in excess of $100.00 and are not getting their seed or contact from Pinetree. My order was no where near that range thankfully. They took the money for my order the day I placed it on 4/14/20. I saw they did the same for other customers on Facebook. Taking the money for the orders without shipping is ripping people off. No money should be taken until a customer's order ships. All legitimate companies operate this way. Taking people's money without shipping is a ripoff! They have my money and 1 month later I have nothing, no seeds, nothing!

Our family has ordered from Pinetree for several years. Usually everything went well, but this year the peas we ordered did not produce plants that were as described. We got tree different kinds of peas from the same seed packet- none were the peas that were what we ordered. None of the feverfew seeds sprouted after two plantings. Pinetree did refund our money for the peas and feverfew, but that hardly compensates one for the work involved and valuable garden space used. Now the pumpkins are getting ready to harvest. We planted Musquee de Provence and they are staying green instead of the orange-brown color they should develop. One developed a yellow stem and I harvested it today. Beautiful dark green color. IDK what to think at this point. We also got a gourd mix and had a less than 50% germination rate. Got three types of gourds. The kind with more than one fruit has several large and soft cucumber-like gourds. Too many other minor problems to list. We will not be buying from Pinetree again.

I have been ordering the majority of my seeds from Pinetree for many years. Last season, I ordered several seed packets as usual. After planting, I discovered that one seed packet, which was white kohlrabi, had a terrible germination rate. I even replanted using the leftover seeds, and I ended up getting three plants from a total of around 50 seeds.

I also planted what was supposed to be "Giant white radishes," and it turned out they were tiny red radishes, and very hot, almost inedible. Other seeds I got from them had a little lower germination from what I got in the past, but still bearable. I Emailed the company. After over a week, they Emailed back that they would refund the money for the packets. I said I didn't care about the few dollars for the packets, but I wanted some assurance that I could order seeds and expect a good germination rate and the correct plants to grow from them. They never Emailed me back. Sorry, but I cannot buy from them again.

I have been using Pinetree for the past 5 years now almost exclusively.What attracted me to them was the smaller size of the seed packets- I want fresh seeds and don't need say 200 cabbage seeds - the 25 or so in their packet was a more useful size for a small backyard garden. The lower price for a seed packet was also attractive. It is rather unfortunate that the germination rate with Pinetree has now become so low that I won't be able to order from them anymore.Lettuce seeds well below 50% peas below 50% many of these seeds were a complete wash out.I get better germination rates of 2 year old seed packets purchased freom Lowes than fresh seed from Pinetree. Though I don't want to incur the extra cost it looks like I am back at Johnny's from now on- I have never had a failure from them and the stated germination rates are accurate.

Posted on January 26, 2011, updated November 13, 2016
Posted on December 4, 2010, updated January 26, 2011
Posted on August 6, 2010, updated December 4, 2010
Posted on April 23, 2010, updated August 6, 2010
Posted on February 21, 2010, updated April 23, 2010
Posted on February 2, 2010, updated February 20, 2010
Posted on March 23, 2009, updated February 2, 2010
The website is buggy as all heck. During the ordering process, I would order items, browse for a while, comeback and find out my cart was now empty. This was very, very frustrating.

After finally completing my order I discovered that there really was not way to contact anyone at the firm as the phone was always busy. After waiting 20 days without receiving a shipping notification I faxed in a cancel order as the phone was busy, e-mails were not responded to. I assume they are simply going through growing pains in a busy season. However I have certain expectations. One is that I know if my order will be filled, and two that I know when my items will be shipped and an anticipated ship date.

We all know certain plants need to be started indoors in certain climates, in particular Tomatoes, Peppers, and Alpine strawberries from seed. When you cannot get a confirmation that the order will be filled nor a shipping date you have to make a cut date to go to the local store and buy your seeds.

I'll try PineTree again next year and order very, very early. Once again I suspect the problem is simply a growth related issue. But currently, I would certainly not use them for an order after February if timeliness is important.

I've been ordering from Pinetree Seeds for about 20 years, and always recommended them; however, I think it's time for a change. In addition to poor germination of seeds and what I assume was improper labeling (as mentioned by others here) when I didn't get what I thought I had planted, as well as problems with their website, I now am frustrated by their customer service. I placed my order for almost $150 on Black Friday to take advantage of their 15% off sale, only to find out that on Cyber Monday, they were offering both 15% off and free shipping for orders over $75. When I complained that I felt duped because I could have saved the shipping if I had waited a few days, and asked if they would be doing the same next year, this was their response: "I'm sorry you missed out on this deal. I'm not sure what next year will bring. I would think we'd carry the same special, but only time will tell." No offer to refund the shipping. This is not what I consider good customer relations and I will be seed shopping elsewhere next year.

Posted on August 24, 2014, updated November 10, 2015
I ordered Crystal White zinnia seeds that were supposed to be rounded, one foot tall plants with smaller white flowers. What they grew into were 2-3 ft tall plants with large white flowers. I ordered Candy Cane zinnias that were supposed to be pink and white striped flowers and what grew were zinnias that were the colors you get with zinnia seeds at the Dollar Store - loud pink, orange and yellow flowers. I ordered sunflowers that never sprouted at all.

I am sorry to post a negative comment as I have purchased from them for several years and appreciate the low prices. But both last year and this, my experience has been negative. Seeds are mislabeled, the package name is correct but what's inside is not. Kentucky Wonder Wax seeds grew some type of super tough "green" bean, not the yellow variety. Vermicelli winter squash seeds turned out to be some unidentified summer squash. Bush watermelons turn out to be indeterminate vines of some type. One package of delicata squash was actually empty. They did replace it, though the cust. service rep on the phone commented that she "hoped they would get it to me in time to plant, as they were very busy". But most times no one is there when I call, and their website never seems to work when I want to leave comments or reviews. Very frustrating overall.

Posted on April 20, 2015, updated June 3, 2015
I've ordered from Pinetree for many years. The last few years the germination rate had been deteriorating. This year I had several total germination failures (eggplant, hyacinth bean, tomatillo, more). I'm a long-term seed grower and have had almost 100% germination success with seeds from other companies this year.

The 10 strawberry plants I ordered were alive but teeny -- the smallest strawberry plants I've every seen. I'm hoping they'll survive.

As much as I like Pinetree's prices, I won't be ordering from them anymore.

The web site is Byzantine and needs to be made customer friendly. Payment is by PayPal, which requires membership. Payment by check using the US Postal service was misplaced by the company. My seed order was delayed a month. The plants I ordered were sold out by the time I was contacted, even after I called to confirm that my order had been received. I am disappointed before I even receive the order. I only hope that the germination rates on their seeds are good. I wanted to try this family run company and placed a substantial order. I usually shop at Johnny's and the Seed Savers Exchange. In future, I would not use Pine Tree Seeds and would not recommend the company.

I've been a Pinetree Gardens customer for many years and referred friends there. The website was always buggy so I just mark up the catalog and order by phone. In the past they had excellent deals on trays, inserts and mulch, in addition to seeds. They became my primary seed source with various additions from Seed Savers, Johnny's, Thompson & Morgan, Irish Eyes, etc.
But, something clearly happened to this company several years ago. Per the other comments, I'm guessing around 2009. For myself, the final straw has been deteriorating germination rates, declining to completely unacceptable last year and even total failure in a couple of cases. (I am an experienced and successful indoor/greenhouse seed starter as our last frost is 5/31.) Is this old seed? Poorly stored seed? No idea. I also got a couple of mislabeled varieties that were very annoying.
One friend I referred to Pinetree last winter was utterly scathing about her experience with their seeds. So, not only did I have several total germination failures but I caused a friend to as well.
My experiences with customer service have generally been good, meaning they will re-send, but I can't take the chance any more with our very short season. I'm sad to say I won't take the chance with them again, when I can find most things on racks at the various stores and order special items from other vendors. Special hat tip to Adams Fairacre Farms stores who stock many seeds from many sources.

Sad to write this, and hope these comments spur a change in attitude at Pinetree.

I placed my order, which included frost protection on the 10th of March and just now (March 20th) received a notice from UPS, NOT Pinetree that my order will not arrive until the 27th of March AFTER the danger of frost is over. So disappointed, its supposed to snow tonight and I had to go out and buy burlap to protect my strawberry plants. On top of that, I never received a confirmation email from Pinetree that they received and were processing my order. I received a phone call from my bank saying they processed the transaction as a debit card transaction and not as a credit card without my knowledge. This is the very reason I like to pay by Paypal and not by credit card, however Pinetree does not offer this option. We'll see what happens when I receive the order, but so far, I'm not impressed.

First order with Pinetree, was concerned when seeds came in packages with no instructions, I have been starting seeds in my greenhouse for many years, had never seen seed packages with no information to speak of. Germination has been very poor, maybe 40%, very disappointing considering I enjoy mass plantings of annuals such as Asters (powder puffs) germination in that case has been 0% I have not contacted company yet, but am not sure that I want replacements, as I have gone up to my local nursery and bought replacement seeds and started them already. Just wanted to put in my 2 seeds.
Happy Growing

Posted on March 23, 2004, updated January 27, 2011
The order came more slowly than I had hoped (about 3-4 weeks, compared with less than 10 days for four other companies, including two with marginal ratings on Garden Watchdog). The one item I was particularly interested in, the Opalka Tomato (#414) was substituted, with an explanation that events of last fall ruined the crop, even though the item is still featured in the on-line catalog. I would have ordered it elsewhere, had I known. Now it's too late. It's my first experience with Pinetree. Given the overwhelming positive experiences noted by others, I will probably give Pinetree the benefit of the doubt and try them again next year, but not ready to fully switch to them.

I placed an order on the Web March 16th. I received no email confirmation - and no warning about how long my order could take. I called to find out about my order March 27th - and was told that the seeds should be shipped out by the END of this week. That means over two weeks before they even go out. I was also told curtly that this information was clearly presented on the website. The information is presented under policies (I just checked) -- which talks of backlogs during peak times of two to three weeks. But who reads policies when you are ordering!!! I should have paid extra for immediate handling. I could end up waiting 4 weeks for seeds at the start of growing season!!!! AGGGH. I am spoiled by Territorial Seed where I would have had the seeds in a week.

I originally placed my order on March 3rd. Last week, on March 17, I placed an email asking about the status of my seeds. They responded the next day that my seed had been mailed the 17th. Today, it is March 23rd. I have not received my seeds. I decided to call because there is no way it should take 6 days even counting the weekend for me to receive my seeds. When I got through, I was told they had been mail the 19th. At this time, I won't believe they actually sent my seeds till I receive them.

Anywho, I extremely frustrated. I'll probably stick to the larger seed companies from here on out. The lady on the phone said she would send me something, but whatever. I just want my seeds. Whatever she sends me will arrive a month later ? Funny part was I received a seed catalog from them yesterday.

Looking at 3 + weeks to receive my seeds is just too long, but the kicker to me is just lying to me about the date they sent the seeds out.

This is the second time that I have ordered from Pinetree. Both times I have shared with friends because we like to grow a large variety of vegetables and the low cost and small numbers of seeds in each package work well for that. The first time was a couple of years ago and both of us had germination problems. This year we tried again based on the prices and good selection. Again, germination problems.

When I wrote and explained the problem, they offered replacements and said they had done germination tests. I decided to do my own test on two varieties of carrots...cosmic purple and Half long Danvers that were sent the second time. Only 40% of the cosmic purple and 60% of the Danvers germinated. I don't think this is satisfactory.

The seeds may be low in cost but I don't have time to deal with crop failures. Also less experienced gardeners will think the problem is theirs...companies owe it to their customers (and the seed industry in general) to supply good quality seed.

Although I have been a loyal customer for years, I am very unhappy with my order this year. I ordered on March 23rd seeds and potatoes and plastic. I paid the $4.95 extra and received the seeds/plastic timely; altho when I recently unrolled the plastic to cover the beds, it was well short of the 200' I ordered. After not receiving my potatoes (spring shipment) I inquired via email on April 28th and was told my order would ship within 2 weeks (with no mention that they were sold out of anything). I finally received it on May 21, with a note on the packing slip saying that the 10 lbs of burbanks were sold out and my credit card would be credited, although no credit card receipt was attached showing that had actually been done. They were happy to charge my credit card for the entire order back on March 23rd! Didn't they know at that time they were already sold out of the product? The remaining potatoes that I did receive are in very bad shape, soggy, shriveled, with sprouts about 8 inches long, like they have been growing inside the bags for way too long. So I don't expect good results with them. I am considering returning them. But where am I supposed to find seed potatoes locally at this point in the season? When I unrolled the black plastic, which I ordered 200 feet, I realized that I only received 160 feet. They are supposed to send me the balance, but once again, I paid in full for this back on March 23rd, and I need it now, not after complaining about being shorted and then have to wait for some more to show up. They are all full of excuses this year about being overwhelmed and understaffed. Hey, in this economy, I think there are plenty of qualified people more than willing to work. It is the management that is the problem.
They have lost yet another long time customer.

I decided to try this supplier for the first time this year. Just a small percentage of seeds sprouted. I had to scramble to purchase additional seeds elsewhere to keep with sprouting schedule. Shipping time was way too long. I am trying someone else next year.

I have ordered off and on from Pinetree for a number of years. Their strength has been small amounts of seeds for the home gardener at a lower price.
This year the amount of seeds in their packets were a joke. Many were not enough to overcome the mortality of starting seeds at home in less than ideal conditions. Several varieties were not enough to start so I had to go out and buy more at a store.
They bill when they receive the order so I was billed in Jan. and had to threaten to cancel my root stock order if they did not ship it. They promised in April but claim they said April through May! I was also over charged! Never again. I learned my lesson.
Try Fedco also in Maine. A Co-op and a bit nicer.

This is my first and last ordering experience with Pinetree. I ordered the seeds on February 28 and did not receive them until April 7. It took them 5 weeks instead of the 2-3 weeks stated in their catalog. I called them to check on my order and the telephone was not answered.

This was my first year ordering from this company and will be my last. I placed an order on February 2nd. I ordered both seeds and plants. I received my seeds approximately Mid-March. On March 27th, I e-mailed the company requesting the status of my plants as I am in Zone 7b-8. (It's already spring here!). I had tried calling, but could never get anyone. On March 30th, I received a reply that the perennials that I ordered were in the garden under the snow and would be shipped as weather permits. Most of the plants I ordered were spring-blooming and will not do much for my landscape this year. Anyway, it's now April 23rd and I still haven't received my plants.

Pinetree Seeds used to be my favorite company to order seeds from - great prices, small packets, great selection.  I recommended them to all my gardening friends.  This year, I ordered on 2/14, which I thought would give a little extra time, "just in case".  After calling (with constant busy signals, but finally getting through one day) and emails, I learned how busy they were, and I finally received my seeds on 3/14 (weeks after the other orders arrived).  I was very unhappy with the slow shipping.  But, I tried to be forgiving - so many factors are increasing the popularity of home gardening, so I accepted that they were overwhelmed and planted them immediately.  I don't have complaints with the germination rates, and the seedlings are doing pretty well.

I just got my potatoes, though a little later than I would have liked.  Much to my dismay, they substituted the Green Mountain potatoes I ordered (for baking and storage) with Irish Cobbler potatoes (best if used fresh).  They did not contact me, though I would have been reasonable and accepted another potato variety - one I could store to feed my family.  To make matters worse, all of the potatoes I received look like grocery store potatoes with NO sprouts, and I need to get them in the garden right away.  Luckily, I received sprouting potatoes last week from another company, but they won't be enough to feed the family for the season.  Hopefully, the ones they did send will sprout in a hurry so that I can plant them by the end of the month.

Needless to say, I'm extremely disappointed with Pinetree this year.  After seeing all of the negative reviews, I will be surprised if they can last as a company, and I really wish it wasn't so.  I wish that they would respond to these posts.  If I do order again, it will be only seeds, and I will order as soon as I receive the catalog.  I won't make the mistake of ordering anything that I need, except maybe just a few items for direct garden planting, and the ones I buy "just to try". 

I can't help but hope that the company will dramatically change for the better.  But, I can't say I'm optimistic.

I ordered Green Mountain potatoes from Pinetree back in February. When I received my other seeds that had accompanied the order several weeks later, I noticed on the invoice that it only mentioned that part of the order (the potatoes) would be shipped later. Just what I expected. I assumed it meant that I would be getting the potatoes I ordered. But no. A few days ago I received a package of Irish Cobbler potatoes with a note that it is a similar to the Green Mountain variety. Maybe in appearance and taste. But Irish Cobbler is an early potato best eaten fresh. Green Mountain is a late potato that keeps well in storage for several months--which is what I was looking for. I never agreed to or was even informed of this substitution. I don't think I will ever order from Pinetree again.

I can't believe it; the bastards hung up on me!!! Without even talking to me! I called several times, getting a busy signal every time. When I finally got through, whoever answered the phone picked it up, then immediately hung up. I ordered on February 20, still no seeds on April 13. this will be my last order with them.

Over 40 days to get my seeds is ridiculous. The customer service has been rude. They quickly billed my credit card but still haven't sent the merchandise after 40 days. Business is business and they have lost mine and everyone I bump into. I am contacting my credit card company to get a refund....horrible

I have placed my order 0n Feb26 and as of today April 6th I have not received my order.I have tried several times to contact them and got a busy signal.
I finally got someone today but as soon as I mentioned my order number she hung up on me.
I have been a customer of theirs for over 25 years and I don't understand what's going on.
You can rest assured that I will never do business with them again.
What a pity!

NEVER NEVER NEVER AGAIN!!! I will not order from this company again. I am a first year gardener and heard such wonderful things about them.

I placed my order on Feb 27th and I still have not received it. I got an email from them saying it would take about 4 weeks total...we are now on week 5 and I have nothing from them. NOTHING!!! I have emailed them again since you cannot get through on their phone line at all.

I am sooooo angry right now!

This used to be favorite seed house, but no more. I placed an order March 17 (yeah, a busy time), but based on their email to me will be "about 2 more weeks" which would be "about April 17". That is too late my intended schedule. Yep, you can't beat their prices, but the delays are unacceptable IMHO. I called Johnny's which said that orders go out the next day. I trimmed my order to some special varieties, bit the bullet and paid the high price at Johnny's (their stuff IS good, but you pay). I will buy the rest of my common seed needs at Wally World or Lowe's.

I would still buy from Pinetree in the future, but order in December or January. They need to maybe charge a bit more and hire more help as they are driving customers away.

Ironically, the Pinetree catalog might be the first one I get in late fall. Maybe they are trying to tell us something? :)

Like many of the people here - I am so frustrated at the terrible service from Pinetree this year. I have been a customer for many years, but after the poor service this year, I'll never order from them again!

When I placed my order there was a notice on their homepage about orders taking two weeks to process. It's been more than double that and I still do not have any seeds.
Now the site said it will take a month to process ....

In this day and age there is NO EXCUSE for ANY company to just sit on orders for over a month before they even process the orders, and pull the stock and ship it to you.

If they are SO busy and business is that good, they could well hire more employees to process and pull orders, lord knows there are people looking for employment .... even at minimum wage.

Like others, a more than 4 week wait for a small order. I ordered from 3 different companies on the same day (February 28) My card was charged on March 2. Website currently lists a 3-4 week delay, and I was told today it will probably ship either today or tomorrow. We'll see. The other companies I ordered from all shipped on Monday, March 2 and I had seeds in hand by Friday, March 6.

There are too many good, dependable seed sources out there to try Pinetree again!

Add me to the list of unhappy customers who've been waiting more than a month for the seeds I ordered to arrive. At this point, there's no need to start the seeds indoors here in Central Virginia. (I noticed that my credit card had been charged weeks ago.)

The order was placed on February 27,2009 and my credit card was charged on March 2nd 2009 it is now March 30. 2009 and still haven't received the seeds. I called and finally got a person and she said it would be another couple of weeks. I told her she should hire more people and she said they had and then I said they should hire even more. I think this is so unacceptable they shouldn't charge you till they send your item. I was told they are several weeks behind. I have never dealt with a company like this. I am not very happy.

Over a month for a seed order is unacceptable. Pinetree has been one of my favorites for many, many years, until this year. The changing of delays in the web site bothers me also. Hopefully, they can work this out in the future. However I won't know because this is my last order.

Placed an order by mail in February and confirmed check was received and cashed by company that month. Contacted Pinetree Seeds on 3/19 and was told they were backed up over 3 weeks. "All the seed companies are having the same problem." was the excuse given. Asked why this delay wasn't relayed to customers and was told "We're too busy to be doing that.". Asked when I might expect my order and was told it would be shipped priority mail on Monday 3/23. Still waiting.

I've always enjoyed looking at their catalog and this was my first order. I can't believe the poor service and now if, or when, I receive my seeds it will be too late to start many of them for transplanting out in mid April. Never had such poor service from any other seed company.

BE WARNED:
At the very best, there is at least a 7 WEEKS DELAY before receiving your order.

Ordered a dozen seeds packets over 5 weeks ago, on February 16th.
Nothing received yet. Today I got a reply (2 days later) saying
my order will ship next week. Yeah sure.
I'm already late starting those seeds, let alone waiting 2 more weeks!
(IF they really ship in one week and since they are using plain USPS,
it adds yet another week of transit)

Most business I deal with ship the same day, or the next at most.
6 weeks later ?! Well, they did do something the following day
of my order -- they charged my credit card in full.

There is no order tracking, no communication of any sort to say
they are unable to ship within a reasonable delay.

So what should I do... Not enough time to order the specific seeds I wanted
somewhere else and I sure ain't trusting a company that is 5 weeks late already
to honor its word of "shipping next week".
I have to fall back on bland local seeds -- because of this unreliable, worthless company.

Not happy at all. Not ordering there anymore.
(actually, sending money there has felt more like being... robbed)