Comments regarding Johnny's Selected Seeds
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Rating | Author | Content |
Positive | SherryTomato (8 reviews) | On Mar 26, 2024, SherryTomato wrote: This was my first year ordering from Johnny's Select Seeds. So far everything I have planted is growing nicely. We had to place a $200 order to get free shipping! Which seemed like a lot, but once you buy, they send you coupon codes so you can get a deal on your next order. We've already planted our spring wheat and field peas. Looking forward to see everything grow! |
Negative | WorkWithHands (1 review) | On Jan 16, 2023, WorkWithHands Zebulon, NC wrote: Ordered Baron F1 Pepper (packet of 100 seeds) December 19, 2022. Packet said Germ rate of 90% on 04/22. After three weeks and with a heated pad I have Germ rate of 60%. On Jan 16, 2023, Johnny's Selected Seeds responded with: "On Jan 19, 2023 12:57 PM, Johnny\'s Selected Seeds responded with: Hello! |
Negative | TucsonTomato (6 reviews) | On Dec 8, 2022, TucsonTomato Fairfield, CA, CA (Zone 9b) wrote: I feel very bad about having to make this review, but it is important for customers to know the truth. The seed quality of Johnny's used to be very high, but it has really gone down the last several years. Germination well below 75% has been much more common when I order large lots of seed and I have lost hundreds of dollars as a result. I called Johnny's and asked them if they have any better germination, but when I talked with someone in the customer service department, they say that they'll let them know about the bad seed lots, but they continue to sell the bad seed. This has occurred more than once with different seed. How can they knowingly sell poor quality seed? I really don't know what to say. It doesn't matter what incredible varieties or what incredible seed people advertise, if the quality is poor. Sorry Johnny's, but you've lost my trust for good. On Dec 8, 2022, Johnny's Selected Seeds responded with: "On Dec 9, 2022 4:27 PM, Johnny\'s Selected Seeds responded with: Hello, we are sorry to hear about the issues and poor germination you have experienced. We do stand behind our products. To ensure that every grower is successful, we test our seeds every five months to maintain our high standards, and our germination rates are higher than federal standards require. We would be happy to reach out if you would like to discuss the issues further." |
Positive | RKV (1 review) | On Apr 1, 2022, RKV Boones Mill, VA wrote: Every time I've purchased from them I've been so happy with what I get. High germination rates, even if I leave the packet for a couple of years! I've done vegetables and flowers and never had a complaint to make about them. |
Positive | PhytoDoc (5 reviews) | On Mar 4, 2022, PhytoDoc Menomonie, WI wrote: I garden for family and friends. I have ordered from Johnny's for years and have been pleasantly satisfied with the quality of seeds, service, and information. |
Positive | Delanson (2 reviews) | On Feb 27, 2022, Delanson Delanson, NY wrote: The majority of my garden seeds have been ordered from Johnny’s for the past two years. Delivery is prompt and germination rates high. The plants have almost all been productive. I also appreciate the growing information on their website, their webinars, and the chat function for gardening questions. The quality of my garden and my enjoyment of it has greatly increased over time, many thanks to Johnny’s. |
Negative | Jmo53 (1 review) | On Feb 4, 2022, Jmo53 Paonia, CO wrote: Just got off of Johnny’s seeds website. Thought I could order by phone but they were closed because of weather is what the recording said. So fine I’ll go online. The most frustrating lame website for ordering. I spent hours reading and going through the catalog and putting a list together I had 72 items to purchase most were not available. Carrots until April of 2023? Ridiculous! The website allows you to order multiple packets but it is cumbersome and unintuitive. You should be able to type in your list and if it’s not available fine tell me then. The shopping cart is insane if you make a mistake and need to delete and item good luck. Then I see they had a breach? I’ll move on. Time is my most valuable resource and they wasted it. On Feb 4, 2022, Johnny's Selected Seeds responded with: "On Feb 7, 2022 9:34 AM, Johnny\\\'s Selected Seeds responded with: Hello, On Feb 7, 2022 10:39 AM, Johnny\'s Selected Seeds added: Hello, |
Negative | dozer233 (1 review) | On Sep 28, 2021, dozer233 wrote: It feels like I don't get any of the care of a small business, or any of the convenience of large company. |
Neutral | karenmuse (12 reviews) | On Jul 28, 2021, karenmuse Jackson, MI wrote: In early January I ordered two packages of seed (craspedia and cerinthe), which were shipped in a timely fashion. I planted the seed indoors several weeks ahead of time. The cerinthe came up with a 75% germination rate, which is not great but is okay. However the craspedia's germination rate was terrible- only 30%! I had to replant twice to get enough plants. I don't know what the problem was. I ordered flower seeds from Johnny's a few years ago and everything grew fine. So I am uncertain, but willing to give them a try again. For what it's worth, the craspedia and cerinthe are growing in my garden now and look beautiful. |
Positive | SPORTSMAN1 (12 reviews) | On Jun 8, 2021, SPORTSMAN1 Hawley, MN (Zone 4a) wrote: Ordered corn seeds. Late.....lots of varieties were out of stock. Both here and on other places. Found some to order. Received order in a few days. Now we will see about germination. So far so good. |
Positive | EverettRebecca (2 reviews) | On May 23, 2021, EverettRebecca Everett, WA wrote: Their seeds consistently germinate very well, often near 100%. Even their columbine germinate at close to 100% without any need for stratification and even continued to do so when I planted the leftover seed a year later. (Competitor's columbine germinated at less than 50% even with stratification and when fresh.) The germination and growing instructions found on their website (especially the production tech sheets) are extremely useful and accurate. I reliably get excellent results. They have great prices on larger quantities of seed while still offering smaller quantities at more typical prices. I do wish they had a larger selection of flowers that make good garden plants even if they are not suitable as cut flowers. All of the tools and supplies I have purchased from them have been excellent. Shipping is ridiculously fast. The COVID gardening craze was a challenge for the entire industry, and I appreciated the way Johnny's handled it. Their customer service is always flawless. Johnny's has become my absolute favorite seed source by a mile! |
Negative | jimez (1 review) | On Feb 22, 2021, jimez Marblehead, MA wrote: As a long time mini farm customer, I fear something is seriously amiss at Johnny's. Their founder retired last year, and they have effectively cut off the home gardener. Yes there is still Covid, but their shortages are severe unlike anyone else in the business....and yet, about every 2 weeks I receive yet another copy of their expensive full color catalogue. I hate to say it, they have been my #1 for years, but I will not be able to depend on them next year. I always order early, but was shut out of many varities. Yet, I was able to readily get them elsewhere. Does anyone have any inside info what is going on? Sorry, this is way more than COVID. |
Neutral | happyroots (4 reviews) | On Feb 19, 2021, happyroots Averill Park, NY wrote: Posted on December 1, 2020, updated February 19, 2021 On February 19th, 2021, happyroots changed the rating from negative to neutral and added the following: Update 2/19/2021: I planted the onion seeds (indoors) about four weeks ago and the germination rate was 75%. While I like to get 85% germination, I'm okay with it because I planted all 1000 seeds (actually was 1062, and yes, I counted them) and will get enough of a crop. I had also contacted Johnny's to ask them why the seeds do not have dates on the package. Their response was that they do things differently than other companies. That is not a good answer. I changed my rating from poor to neutral because I was able to get 75% to germinate. However, in regards to printing dates, I would still give them negative rating. All other companies print dates on their packages because that is the right thing to do for the customer in regards to quality control. |
Positive | genghiskuhn (4 reviews) | On Feb 1, 2021, genghiskuhn Binghamton, NY wrote: Have ordered from Johnnys for years and have always been satisfied. Great germination, good customer service, and they are employee-owned. |
Negative | w08833 (9 reviews) | On Jan 21, 2021, w08833 Lebanon, NJ wrote: I went through the catalog and decided what I wanted. When I got to the website I was informed that they were only accepting orders on Tuesday and Wednesday. So I waited, and found out that half of what I wanted was not available. Then two days later I received an email that half of what I ordered was unavailable. These people don't have a clue about running a business. |
Negative | adammalofsky (1 review) | On Jan 13, 2021, adammalofsky Loveland, OH wrote: Adam Malofsky |
Negative | Peonyface (1 review) | On Sep 3, 2020, Peonyface Hendersonville, NC (Zone 7a) wrote: My first time ordering from Johnny's Seeds and will be my last. I ordered a handful of seeds, some misc items and a 40# bag of Sluggo. They are not inexpensive, but with free shipping and a good price on 40# Sluggo, I went ahead and ordered some just to try them out ... was disappointed in the seed quantity for the money. Not nearly the value I get from other companies. My real disappointment came with the Sluggo. First, the company boasts "free shipping" with a min. order. I surpassed that min order, only to find out that the Sluggo had a surcharge of $40 shipping. Ok... it was still a decent price for that. It also noted it was "in stock" and their items ship within a few days. I placed the order and on the order it said shipping was now $51 with a $20 credit, so it came to $31. Don't really like companies with all these smoke n mirror shipping prices. After the order was placed I received shipping notification for everything except the Sluggo... that was coming from a "preferrred partner" and expected to ship a few days later 8/24/20. Well, that date came and went and nothing, so after 5 calls to the company, and JSS trying to email and get a response from their "preferred partner" as to when this product was going to ship, they got nothing either. Not much of a business relationship when a "preferred partner" vendor doesn't respond to their client. So after wasting about 2 weeks waiting for Sluggo, while all my kale, bok choy, beets, etc. were getting decimated by slugs, they agreed to cancel the order and I should be getting a refund. In the meantime, I've ordered the product from someone else, and it shipped the next day. On the positive side, I was able to get a hold of people in customer service easily and they were trying to help. I just don't appreciate items being represented on a website as "in stock" and then only to find out they are farming it out and it's out of their control and time sensitive items don't arrive in a timely manner. |
Positive | anasazirose (3 reviews) | On May 22, 2020, anasazirose Belle Vernon, PA wrote: For 2 years in a row, I've ordered the Anne Raspberries from Johnny's. These plants arrive and put every other root to shame! The roots on them are so massive and amazing that I need to put most in 2 and 3 gallon pots unless I trim the roots. So far, I haven't ordered much from Johnny's except the Anne raspberries and ginseng seeds. The ginseng seeds didn't grow for me at their advertised 70% germination rate, closer to 10%, but that could be user error. I will order black raspberries next year and more ginseng seed this fall. |
Negative | KATOC (1 review) | On May 7, 2020, KATOC Easthampton, MA wrote: After having a decent experience with this company for many years I am disappointed to report that a sales representative I contacted misrepresented the durability of a row cover product to me, and recommended an inferior, non durable, and expensive product which I purchased a quantity of. They are now refusing to pay for the substantial shipping for me to return this lousy product (unused and still in it's original packaging) to receive a refund. Their customer service is terrible. They are happy to deceive customers and refuse to take responsibility for their ignorance of the lack of quality of their products. They do not care about the loss of time and money of their customers taking time away from growing to have to deal with and return shoddy products at their own expense.Their customer service representative was rude and dismissive. I'm sad to see a formerly good company's quality decline this way. Do not trust Johnny's advise about their products! They don't know or care whether they will work for you. |
Negative | Wolfeto (1 review) | On May 3, 2020, Wolfeto Galena, IL wrote: Disgraceful customer service. I Planted 144 “seeds” and only 2 germinated. I know what I’m doing. Contacted them and they ghosted me. Their “guarantee” of customer satisfaction or replace/refund is TOTAL BS. |
Negative | Zatoechi (1 review) | On Apr 10, 2020, Zatoechi Washougal, WA wrote: Ordered seed from this company 3/25/20 for the family garden. Called on 4/1 and was told the order would ship on 4/6/20, called on 4/6/20 and was told the order would ship by 4/10/20. I called on 4/10/20 and was told that the order might ship by 4/17/20. Refused to commit to shipping date! Refused to cancel my order! A company with questionable business practices. Buyer beware!!! I will be contacting my credit card company to attempt to get my money back |
Neutral | Tayman44 (5 reviews) | On Jul 21, 2019, Tayman44 West Boxford, MA wrote: This is almost a negative. I've been buying seed from Johnny's for 30 years. I'm in Massachusetts, they're in Maine, so it's a fit. I've always been satisfied. But, in the past 4 years, I'm beginning to wonder what's changed at Johnny's. I've had very poor germination of their snap peas (Super Sugar Snap), green beans (Provider), yellow wax beans (Monte Gusto) and, especially, their soy beans (Tohya and Karikachi). Also very poor germination with their spring green manure mix. Thought at first it was me. Had to double plant in hopes of getting some plants to grow. Even tried the old trick of sprouting the seed first, then planting. Still poor results. This year, after only 5 soybean plants came up (after 2 plantings), bought some soybean seed from the local Agi store. They were up and growing in a week. Bought some snap peas, Burpee of all things. They were up in 10 days even though the soil was warm. That tells me it isn't me (been gardening here for 40 years), it's Johnny's seeds. Next year I'll buy from another source. Too bad. On Jul 21, 2019, Johnny's Selected Seeds responded with: "On Jul 22, 2019 4:55 PM, Johnny's Selected Seeds responded with: Your satisfaction is very important to us! We want to make sure that our seeds are germinating properly. Please contact us at service@johnnyseeds.com with your order information, so we can make this right. " |
Neutral | taufgardner (22 reviews) | On Jul 9, 2019, taufgardner American Fork, UT wrote: Posted on May 17, 2019, updated July 9, 2019 On July 21st, 2011, taufgardner changed the rating from positive to negative and added the following: It had been a few years since I had ordered from Johnny's and now I remember why. Last time, I ordered a unique variety of zucchini. This time I ordered a unique variety of pole bean (Fortex). In each order, I found the germination and performance to be less than my experience with other companies. When I opened the packet to plant the beans, about half were split and broken. The rest germinated at about 40%. I kept putting seeds in the appointed spots until I had germination at all but one of my poles. At any rate, I used Johnny's each time because they carried a desired variety I couldn't get anywhere else and are highly rated on Watchdog. I order from many sources and have terrific luck with my gardens, so I can confidently attribute the poor results to the supplier. Probably won't use again, unless they are the only suppliers for something I just gotta have. Then I will over-order and over-plant because I believe the seeds will perform poorly. On May 17th, 2019, taufgardner changed the rating from negative to neutral and added the following: It has been awhile since I have ordered from Johnny's, due to subpar past results, but I decided to give them a try again this year. Their ratings are generally positive, which I don't fully understand, and they carry products such as the monogerm beet (Moneta) that others don't. My luck with germination rates and seed quality (beans intact) was better this time and the prices were better than a lot of places, so I decided to upgrade my rating. Their customer service is fine, I'm just not fully convinced that their seed is the best. Time will tell. On July 9th, 2019, taufgardner added the following: Now that the growing season is in full swing, I will say that the Moneta Beet is a good variety and very flavorful and sweet. Yes, I've already harvested some. However, I really didn't notice a difference between a monogerm beet and regular varieties as far as how the seeds sprout, etc. I still can't understand how they could not fulfill my order for Fortex Beans, which I readily sourced elsewhere, and why the wax beans I did get from Johnny's did not germinate at near the rate of the other beans. I'm a better than average gardener and beans are easy, but my experience with Johnny's (beans and zucchini) is subpar germination over a few different years of ordering. I remain neutral and will possibly use Johnny's again for varieties I want to try and cannot get elsewhere. On Jul 9, 2019, Johnny's Selected Seeds responded with: "On Jul 22, 2019 4:56 PM, Johnny's Selected Seeds responded with: Your satisfaction is very important to us! We want to make sure that our seeds are germinating properly. Please contact us at service@johnnyseeds.com with your order information, so we can make this right. " |
Positive | brahmabantam (8 reviews) | On Jun 7, 2019, brahmabantam Rimrock, WA (Zone 5b) wrote: If I could give a higher rating than 'positive' for Johnnys, I would. In my experience, their seed has exceptional germination rates (and germination rates and test dates for each seed lot are printed on the seed packet), and even better, the crops perform as expected based on the seed catalog. I sincerely wish there were more companies that pay such attention to detail. |
Positive | quarkuud (2 reviews) | On Apr 25, 2019, quarkuud Silver Spring, MD wrote: Bought seeds for my vegetable garden here. Shipping was fast, and my tomato, celeriac, and pepper starts turned out amazing, hopefully the trend continues. |
Negative | redsteelie (1 review) | On Jan 4, 2019, redsteelie Dundee, IL wrote: Used to love Johnny's - but my recent experiences with their website and lack of available customer support has lost my business. I made the mistake of entering the wrong coupon code after entering 45 line items. The website then promptly voided the code I intended to enter as well as another that I had been sent. Both were sent to me by Johnny's and were valid for another 3 weeks. I don't have time to deal with a company which plays "bait and switch" with coupon codes and provides no easy way to contact them other than by phone during normal working hours. There are equally good companies out there who actually care about customer services. |
Positive | FillingFarm (1 review) | On Sep 23, 2018, FillingFarm Emmett, MI wrote: To anyone looking for a good company to buy your seeds and potatoes and strawberries from, I recommend Johnny's Seeds. This was the first year I've bought from this company, and I am thoroughly impressed. I purchased a little over $500 worth of product, and I've never been more impressed. For starters, I don't think I've ever had beans produce as much as the ones I bought from there. While zucchinis are big producers, the ones that grew this year seemed to go beyond any other years. I've never had as beautiful pumpkins in the field as the ones that grew from the Johnny's Seeds company. The seed potatoes I bought have by far out produced any that I've grown before. The strawberries I accidentally let fruit this year were some of the best I've ever had. |
Positive | brian1985 (3 reviews) | On Aug 28, 2018, brian1985 Cozad, NE wrote: This review is strictly on shipping. I ordered onion seeds last week and won't be starting them until end of January. Super fast shipping! I placed my order Friday morning and had the seeds Monday morning. The only complaint I have is the company they shipped with you have to be a paid member to track your package. |
Positive | Snappingturtle (4 reviews) | On Mar 21, 2018, Snappingturtle Cranbury, NJ wrote: I've ordered from Johnny's Selected Seeds for the last two years. The service has always been wonderful. Shipments arrive quickly and well packed. I had excellent germination rates on all of the 30+ vegetable and herb varieties I've ordered from the company. They sell both organic seed and non-organic seed; I've only ordered organic and have been very pleased. They also carry an amazing array of very high quality tools and equipment. The only con to this company is that the prices are quite high but you do get top of the line equipment and seed for the price. |
Positive | sungoldmmm (3 reviews) | On May 19, 2017, sungoldmmm Clermont, FL wrote: I've ordered many seeds from many internet companies. Johnny's is my new favorite even though I do recognize that their prices seem steep. For me, I appreciate the nice internet interface, the seeds for me have always sprouted better than the germination rate stated on the package, and I appreciate they are employee owned because I feel they care more. My deliveries have always been within 5 days with good messaging that is not always the case with other companies I've dealt with - with few exceptions, they are top 3 fastest delivery for seeds I've experienced so far. |
Positive | Aakbay (2 reviews) | On Apr 6, 2017, Aakbay Cranbury, NJ wrote: I've ordered seeds and germination equipment from Johnny's Selected Seeds this year. I've had a great experience with the company and excellent germination rates. When they ran out of organic clover for my large order 650 lbs) they tracked down additional seed and had it shipped directly from the grower. I'll definitely be ordering again. |
Positive | scilib (5 reviews) | On Mar 31, 2017, scilib Oxford, OH wrote: First-time customer, but I'll be back. Shipped very quickly (received order a few days after ordering from halfway across the country), with tracking number, professionally packaged. They've got it together. |
Positive | madielov (2 reviews) | On Mar 5, 2017, madielov Tijeras, NM wrote: I have had good experiences with Johnny's. I use their green manure mixes every fall and spring. Also like their lettuce mixes |
Positive | growin (10 reviews) | On Feb 4, 2017, growin Beautiful, BC (Zone 8b) wrote: I ordered a variety of cut flower varieties from Johnny's Seed in early 2016. I had excellent germination rates, good results from the cultivars offered and I had a problem with my credit card (address mismatch due to moving) and the rep called me back and helped me sort it out. I experienced excellent service and product quality so I've ordered much more for 2017. |
Negative | decherdt (6 reviews) | On Jan 20, 2017, decherdt Fort Worth, TX (Zone 8a) wrote: Looks like the new website host/manager really messed up the site, and is keeping it secret from Johnny's. Continuing weeks of unsuccessful log in assistance, broken links to data sheets, etc. Lost my business, small as it was. |
Negative | 4seasonsgreens (1 review) | On Jan 15, 2017, 4seasonsgreens Hendersonville, NC wrote: Seed labels are required to have a germination date, and the seed is supposed to be good for 12 mos. from that date. However, there is no policing by any agricultural agency of dates on seed labels and seed viability. If the seed gets old, the label or seed packet can be swapped with a label with a new date. |
Positive | nancyji (2 reviews) | On Dec 26, 2016, nancyji Aromas, CA wrote: we have been organic farmers since 1988, and have tried a lot of seeds, and our experience with Johnny's has been superlative. At this point, we've pretty much eliminated all seed competition, and get our farm seed from Johnny's. The prices are very good, we know the sources, and can prove with their paperwork that we are using organic seed. |
Positive | addicted2plants (3 reviews) | On May 27, 2016, addicted2plants Saint Louis, MO (Zone 6a) wrote: We had a fire and I lost ALL of my 5 year collection of vegetable and flower seeds. Late last night, I put in an order of $204 worth of seeds I needed. I paid $20 ish for overnight shipping because I'm under pressure to get the last items into the ground. TODAY, about 14 hours later, I got all but 2 of the seed packets! I've ordered from Johnny's for probably 10 years, but TODAY they actually made me get teary! Thank you Johnny's! You have a customer for LIFE! |
Negative | celestecomfort (1 review) | On Apr 1, 2016, celestecomfort Comfort, TX wrote: I ordered the hot cherry zinnias and the Benary's giant wine zinnia seeds from this company based on previous reviews. I have sown the seeds inside using standard practice. Out of the 72 pots of the hot profusion zinnia I sowed (using 2 seeds per pot) only 19 came up. Out of the 25 wine zinnia seed pots I planted only 10 came up. |