Comments regarding Groco Seeds

I recently order for the second time from Groco Seeds thru EBay. Order never arrived yet because they’re tracking # said it was delivered the refuse to replace my order. It wont be the first time the postal service screws-up. I have no needs to lie about $50.00 worth of seeds. eBay would not back me up. I requested that they call me by phone to sort it out and they refuse. PLEASE be cautious of companies that don’t list their address or phone number for customer service. I hope those seeds are return to them so they can reflect on how the acted.

Last year (spring 2020) I ordered from Groco because they are also in Oregon and have quite good prices for small packets. I had a few problems with them, most notably that out of the ten or so types of seed I ordered, only two (basalm and clarkia) germinated).

1. The seller sold me linaria under two names; I didn't realize that I had bought two packets of the same seed until I looked more closely at germ requirements. Upon reaching out the seller he basically said "oh yeah, I guess so." Didn't offer to refund my money for the extra seed packet.

2. I ordered clarkia, thinking it was the tall (unguicuilata (sp))? version; to be fair, I've learned it's a fairly confusing situation even among those who know. I believed this based on the common name given, the picture, AND reliance upon the confirmation that yes, it was that version when I reached out to the seller and asked. But it turned out to be the short version, clarkia amoena/godetia. Which messed up my planning, to say the least.

So it's great to get seed for cheap, but if it doesn't germinate, the seller doesn't appear to know what variety he is selling, and won't offer a refund sui sponte if you report a problem (apparently you have to ask explicitly per his "guarantee," which I wasn't going to do for $2). This year ordering from more expensive catalog vendors and a few good ones I found on eBay, but not Groco.

I ordered a pack of what was supposed to have been a pack of Operculina brownii, a rarer type morning glory. I ended up with some other kind of plant that is not even any kind of morning glory instead. I think it may be in the nightshade family.The one seed I germinated looks kind of looks like an eggplant.Delivery was very slow. It was a very lightweight package of seeds, yet the postage was more than $2.00. I do not believe this was an honest mistake and I recommend you avoid GROCO.

Posted on February 11, 2010, updated April 25, 2010
Posted on January 18, 2010, updated February 10, 2010
Their customer service goes out the window once they get your money. The first time I ordered from them, about 1/3 of the seeds did not sprout and I planted them more than once. When I contacted them, they refused to take responsibility so I was left with seeds that I wasted money on. The following year, I decided to give them a second chance because of their low prices. Though their ebay ads state fast shipping, it was 3 weeks before the seeds arrived. When I contacted them to find out what the delay was, especially since they advertise fast shipping, there was no response of any kind, not even an apology or explanation for the delay. I have not ordered again, but I have since emailed them asking about their shipping and these people don't respond at all. Their prices may be low, but their customer service is non-existent and I would recommend you spend a little more for your seeds at quality seed suppliers who know the definition of customer service and stay away from Groco. Seeds that don't germinate and lack of customer service should be their motto, as it has been my experience with them.

"On Jan 18, 2010 2:33 PM, Groco Seeds responded with:

GroCo Seeds sells top quality seeds that are all germination tested professionally by major seed producers. We sell at such low prices that we cannot replace seeds when a buyer is unable to grow the seed due to circumstances beyond our control.

We also have exceptional qaulity customer service and anwer all e-mail, ship our orders in bubble mailers, and ship out within 3 business days of receiving payment. Our ebay rating is 99.8% positive with over 222,705 Feedback received. Thanks to all our wonderful customers!!!
"

I recently won over thirty seed auctions from GroCo on ebay. I had MUCH success with MOST of the seeds and have even just had to pot some of them up. Thats being said, a few seed types (datura, dicetra, alstromeria etc) did not germinate at all and when I contacted the company to inform them and ask for replacement seeds (I REALLY wanted those bleeding hearts) I was rebuffed in a very condesending fashion. When I had a problem with Park's seeds, I was sent out replacements the next day. To be talked down to in such a fashion was very disconcerting, especially with the fact that I've got over 200 (literally) seedlings thriving in the sun room. Thier prices were exceptional, but the customer service is why I won't be buying from GroCo again.

"

GroCo Seeds sells top quality seeds that are all germination tested professionally by major seed producers. We sell at such low prices that we cannot replace seeds when a buyer is unable to grow the seed due to circumstances beyond our control."