Comments regarding Johnny's Selected Seeds

Johnny's is GREAT! Their products are superior, and they only carry the BEST varieties. The staff is very helpful.

I am a market farmer, and this is my first year with Johnny's. Until now I have sourced seeds from many places, but from now on Johnny's will be my main supplier.
I love their philosophy and their dedication to serving organic and naturally grown market farmers.

Johnny's prices may seem high, but for farmer's like me they who buy large quantities of seeds the prices are not bad at all. The more you get the more you save!

Johnnys was recommended to me by a friend. They put a lot of effort into their catalog, pretty informative and appealing. I hadnt bought seed by mail in many years. I got all excited and ordered $140 of seed last year. It ended up being a pretty sorry year for my garden, I cant blame it all on the seed but had poor results with several crops. particularly poor germination luck with Toscano Kale, paydirt sweet corn, onions (seed), and eggplant. I regret departing from my local seed dealer last season, prices of seed from johnnys was from 2-6 times more expensive than it is just 5 miles down the road from me. The small packets (what one would typically order when experimenting with a "new" crop) are quite expensive for a MINISCULE amount of seed. I probably wont order from Johnnys again unless I really need a special variety that I cant find anywhere else.

I am posting as a concerned customer. I have bought from Johnny's for 5 years now, and generally been okay with service, seeds, etc (although some seed packets seem skimpy. I did go as far as to count seeds once and found less than half what was stated.) However, I am kerflummoxed about the shipping prices. $4 for less than an ounce of seeds (2 packets)? Could be sent in a tiny bubble envelope for half that.

As a newly retired gardener, I would like to continue using Johnny's, but this year I am holding off, and going with those who seem to be offering a service at closer to the price of the service.

Like most everything else, there are good and bad points to ordering from Johnny's, but I am sitting this year out.

I have bought my seeds from Johnny's for nearly 20 years. Lately, I noticed their prices and shipping costs have been skyrocketing. I called to complain about the prices and was told to contact Hillary Alger. When I wrote to Hillary, I informed her that the many items I bought from Johnny's went up 18% from 2013 to 2014. She informed me that my math was wrong. I then pulled out the 2013 and 2014 catalogs and listed every product and the increases. She then told me the next bigger seed packet only went up 5% I guess that was a plug to buy the bigger packs. I noticed the price of the seeds I ordered in 2014 went up 12% for the 2015 year.

This year I only bought from Johnny's, seeds that I couldn't find anywhere else. I love Johnny's, they are a first class organization, but with the volume of seed I buy every year, they have left my price range.

I have been an annual Johnny's customer since 1985. Their offerings and service has been superb in that time. In recent years I have become more concerned about the company's direction, however. Prices are skyrocketing while I'm certain seed pack contents are diminishing. Every business has a right and duty to grow but it seems the company is losing sight of the backyard gardener. When gardening costs grow to where budgeting for it becomes necessary I have to wonder whether it is worth it anymore. Last year my Johnny's order was nearly $300. The order was inflated to take advantage of free shipping offer with enough seed to carry me at least two years. Having to think about gardening this way removes the fun and makes it more like a business even in my own yard. After 40 years of gardening I can see my relationship with Johnny's and gardening coming to an end.

I like Johnny's. They ship quickly, their prices on seeds aren't ridiculous, and they make problems right immediately. With the Shiraz snow peas, they gave everyone their money back without any drama llamas running through the garden.

Their shipping is a little pricey, but they do occasionally have shipping promotions.

Overall, a solid reliable source.

I ordered from johnnys solely for the recommendation from mothererthnews.com as their readers top seed company. I guess im not that impressed. Their seeds are EXPENSIVE...a dollar more than seedsavers per small pack. Their shipping is honestly out of line. Sure it came fast but ill give UPS the props for the shipping.
Anyway I liked their balanced selection between heirlooms & hybrids but the seed cost and shipping cost is a deal breaker for me returning next year.

Posted on March 20, 2007, updated February 23, 2014
My recent experience with Johnny's was a mixed bag--thus the "neutral" rating. This past January I placed a seed order plus I ordered a four-block block maker for seed-starting. As I was placing my order I was informed by the service representative that I would need to order the "inserts" for the block maker. I questioned this but she insisted that I would need them so trusting that she knew the company's products better than I, I ordered the inserts. I received my order promptly and yesterday I took out the block maker and couldn't see why I needed the additional inserts. I searched the box and discovered there were no directions for either the block maker or the inserts. I contacted Johnny's and the representative (who was VERY nice) apologized for the lack of instructions but also apologized for the fact that indeed I did not need the inserts. She said that I could return the inserts and I would be credited for them, which is fine, but that they would not cover the return shipping. While I appreciate that the shipping on these items will be minimal, about a total of three or four dollars by the time I purchase a padded envelope and pay for the postage, it still disappoints me that I have to pay to return an item that I originally didn't want but was advised by their representative to purchase, only to find out in the end that in fact I didn't need it at all.
Again, to be fair everyone I dealt with at Johnny's was pleasant and helpful and they even walked me through using the block maker and making adjustements to the seed starting mix so that it would be the proper consistency. I just wish that they'd have sent directions with it and that they would agree to cover returns on products in situations like mine. On a positive note, I really appreciate all the planting information they have on their seed packets--they really excel in this area. And their customer service people have never been anything but helpful and courteous. I will probably order from Johnny's in the future because I like what they stand for as a company and I love their selection, but I hope that in the future they make certain that the people taking their orders are more informed about their products.

Another great experience with Johnny's. The shipping was lightning fast, seed packs were well protected. Of 16 different flower varieties I'm getting in excessive of 85% germination on all but the Larkspur. But, it's only been 4 days on the Larkspur and these can take a bit longer to germinate and sprout. Thanks to everyone at Johnny's for your hard work and great seeds! It makes my job so much easier and enjoyable.

Have ordered from Johnny's for several years and have never been disappointed. Quality seeds, reliable, fast shipping.

30 yr. customer Johnny's customer. I never worried once about shipping. Never complained about germination rates. Some things can't be helped. But less than a hundred seed in a packet of Arugula stated to contain 500 minimum? 12 Marigold seed in a packet costing $3.59? I called to complain about the shorting on Arugula and heard this from customer service: "Happens. I suppose you want another packet." Tried to inquire if there was harvesting difficulty or limited availability (rarity) of the Marigold seed and was told: I'm not sure what your complaint is." I can buy Marigold seed locally for half the price for 10 times the quantity. My final dealings with Johnny's. They won't miss my 60-80$ annual order, or at least their customer rep won't. I won't miss them!

Bought several packets of seeds, and all (except the cucumbers and kale... haven't started those yet) are making plants. Even with suboptimal germination conditions, these seeds are sprouting at close to the rates specified on the packets. Will be buying more seeds from Johnny's soon!

I ordered packets of 'Marvel of Venice' and 'Fortex' bean seeds from Johnny's and have no-o complaints. The seeds even arrived much sooner than I anticipated. ..No problem. :) ...I'm sure I will be ordering from them again in the future.

Whenever I think about vegetable gardening, Johnny's Seeds come to mind. I have not been disappointed with their seeds yet over the years I have ordered from them.

Second year ordering from this company. Super quick shipping, well packaged. No surprises.

Catalog is easy to read and find what you need.

Last year's seeds germinated and grew as described.

Would (and will) order from them again every year.

Posted on July 22, 2010, updated March 7, 2013
Posted on April 12, 2010, updated July 22, 2010
Posted on March 17, 2009, updated April 12, 2010
I have been ordering from Johnny's for several years and have been very impressed with their seeds and service. My order this year was filled within 8 days (all the way from Maine!) with no missing packets. I also like their selection, and have had good germination with their seeds.

Top Quality products. Excellent customer service. Prompt delivery. What more could a guy want? Well, I had questions about germinating Stevia seed as I had problems [actually 100% failures] in the past. I asked about this when I placed my order. A nice lady contacted me by phone and explained step-by-step how to properly germinate and grow Stevia. She obviously knew what she was talking about.

Service was excellent. Their seed varieties generally seem to be aimed more at farmers/ market gardeners than home gardeners (though their lettuce section is an exception and worthy of drooling over, and the tomatoes aren't bad). But they have a nice selection of organic garden products, and their seed descriptions are refreshingly free of the hype I see in many catalogs. And wonder of wonders, the seed packets I ordered were all in stock and sent promptly.

Two days ago I ordered about $32 worth of seeds--that's 6 packets of seeds. When I got through the ordering process on the phone, the mailing and handling fee was $10! When I said that I wouldn't order because that fee was too high, it was adjusted to $7.00--still too high, but I took it. My thought is that the postage and handling should never be more than $1.00 per packet, and even that is high. Just know that there are options...

This was my 4th year ordering seeds from Johnny's. I placed my order last Tuesday and had my seeds by Saturday. Everything has had good germination rates on my past orders and their selection is hard to beat.

Just received my third order from Johnny's. Surprised me because I was expecting them to hold my order until the one item that was backordered came in, but just got everything else yesterday. I placed the order four days ago. That's speedy service in my book.

This has been true of every order I have placed with them. The one time I had cause to contact their customer service, the lady was polite, helpful, and corrected my problem in a few minutes.

I continue to order from Johnny's, not just because of their service, but their excellent selection, and (the greatest, in my book) I can order anywhere from a small packet to several pounds of anything in their catalog! I love that!

I have ordered from Johnny's Selected Seeds for many, many years. The customer service is stellar, and they consistently send a superior quality of seed, with excellent germination rates. If anyone orders from Johnny's and for any reason is not satisfied with their purchase, they should contact Johnny's customer service staff who I have found to be very helpful and will give 100 % effort to correct any problem

Ordered onion plants and potatoes from these people. They were shipped separately at the correct times for planting here in Pa. Will definately order from Johnnie's again.

So far, no problems. I got a catalog from a master gardener talk at a local garden. Seems like some of the seeds are pretty pricey. However, I'm used to buying seeds from Walmart or plants from big chain stored and I have mixed luck with them. We placed our first order this weekend and have the seeds in hand already. There were much better prices on some of their sale and internet tabs.
So, c'mon... bush beans... 1000 seeds for $3 with a 80% germination rate. How can you say no?
For the first time, I'm trying early and late season plants as well as a summer garden so I'll update this when I get some growth.

I think it’s probably just human nature that we tend to post comments about vendors when we have a problem with them. I certainly have done so here in the past. But when I put together my list of recommended seed suppliers for a Senior Gardening posting this year, I realized that I should make a positive comment here about each of our suppliers that have performed so well over the years.

We’ve used Johnny’s Selected Seeds as one of our two or three main garden seed suppliers for over twenty years. They provide good to exceptional quality seed (in terms of germination) in a time when other suppliers appear to be cutting corners on seed quality.

When we’ve had a question about an order or variety, Johnny’s customer service has responded promptly. I especially like some of their Growers Library and Interactive Tools (fall planting calculator, etc.).

While I’m concerned about some of their recent price increases, I find that I’m willing to pay a bit more for seed from them that I can trust.

//www.senior-gardening.com/features/suppliers.html

I began gardening when I lived in Maine going back to 1977.

Johnny's was a mainstay then and since returning to gardening in retirement is once again only now I'm on the west coast.

Whether their seeds, their season extending materials or their informational materials I can't say enough good.

I look forward to their catalogs and am on their website on a regular basis.

I wish I could visit their booth at the Common Ground Fair again.

These guys are one of our main seed providers for our row crops, everything ships fast and is boxed with care.

Germination rates are always good, they also provide a bunch of tools on the site so you can easily figure how much you need to order out.

I have ordered from Johnny's for around 7 years. I farm 10 acres of row crops to sell at farmer's market and buy large quantities of seed. I have always received satisfactory service from them. Johnny's process and ship quickly orders quickly.

I searched the net to buy seeds and ended up buying from 5 different companies on the net and about 2-3 more from various stores in my local area.

I purchased the bulk of seeds from Johnnys.

Some of their seeds did not germinate at all. Which I'm really mad about. The Beneficial Insect mix, which has a variety of herbs only sprouted like 10 cilantro greens and that was it from my 1 ounce packet.

I've also had problems with many other seeds sprouting, and then dying off.

Overall, I'm more dissatisfied than satisfied, because of the mixed results I've gotten.

Also, their shipping rates are terribly expensive and their rates aren't as competitive as I'd like.

I have been ordering from Johnny's for about 2 decades. They have a unique selection of varieties. Now that I live in New England their short-season veggie strains are particularly valuable for me. The order turnaround is quick, the seed germinates well, the descriptions in the catalog are accurate. I expect to be ordering from them for the next 2 decades too.

I did not choose to order from them this year because they are so expensive now and have so few OP seeds and instead so many hybrids. They also need to get rid of their Seminis varieties, as that matters to a lot of consumers now a days.
What I really wanted that only they have is the Monogerm beet and the primed rosemary seeds. Those are awesome!
Johnny's is not bad at all for many gardeners' needs but some of us more 'heirloomy' growers would like them to go in a different direction.

The short version for people just looking for a reputable seed company.
I have ordered from the following companies for years
they all have good prices, customer service and good germination rate.
Johnny's, Kitazawa Seed, Rohrer seeds, Territorial Seed Comp, and Seed Savers Exchange.

Good descriptions of seeds, good selection of specialty equipment and books. Like their use of Youtube demonstrations.

Excellent company (especially for a northeastern based ag/seed company). Nice selection, solid germ rate and responsive & knowledgeable customer service. AND, very good bulk pricing on quite a few of the seeds they offer.

As an fyi, I purchase mostly tomato seed but also some cucumber and pepper seeds. Johnny's offers about 100 different types of tomato cultivators. About half that for pepper seeds and about 30'ish cucumber varieties. This is nothing spectacular compared to some companies that specialize in tomato or pepper seeds but still, a nice selection.

Tomato heirlooms are very reasonable with 250 seeds typically running around $5.00 & 1000 seeds running about $10. Shipping is a little pricey considering but they do periodically run shipping specials.

Germination rates/testing results are printed on each seed packet. The rates are typically accurate and usually in the 90% range.

I found Johnny's to be reliable when I used them some years ago and they remain so today.

PS: They are big believers in grafting root stock. I find it a very interesting idea but can't conceive having the time (or the steady hands) to seriously contemplate. If anyone has tried, can you post some of their results on this page? Please??

Posted on May 4, 2011, updated January 28, 2012
EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!

EXCELLENT GERMINATION RATES!!!

FAST SHIPPING!!!

Johnny's Selected Seeds provides a great selection of beautiful, super-healthy, clean seeds. When planning my garden, I always make Johnny's my first stop... highly recommended!

I've been ordering most of my seed from Johnny's for 13 years. Top quality seeds with consistently high germination rates; excellent selection; prompt fulfillment; friendly and efficient customer service when I've ordered on the phone; and a fast, easy-to-navigate website when I've ordered online. Great company.

I had good germination rates, packets on sale at 1$ were a great way of ''testing'' the company. The packets were a nice big size. Customer service was prompt and curteous. Shipping was a little on the high end for what I ordered, but it is international. I will reorder from Johnny's.

Over the years I have ordered many times from Johnny's. Aways with good results. They are more expensive than many other sites but have quality products and good customer service. If you want pelleted seeds I think they have the largest selection of any online company. If price is a major factor for you try Morgan County Seeds or FedCo Seeds.

Posted on October 15, 2010, updated January 15, 2012
Large selection of seeds and gardening products. Super speedy and reasonable shipping to Florida. Seeds sprouted nearly the moment they hit the soil. Free catalog fun and informative to thumb through; appreciate the helpful planting tips and colorful plant descriptions. Online website very easy to use. No problems. Will buy from again and again because the seeds are fresh, shipping fast, variety vast. Highly recommend Johnny's Selected Seeds.