FAQ

•   Are your seeds GMO?

None of our seeds are genetically modified.  We believe gardeners should have the finest and purest seeds to grow some of the best and most nutritious food.  We do not believe in altering the genetics of our seeds with foreign genes.  We also believe gardeners should have the ability to save their own seeds, should they choose to.  We strongly encourage the growing awareness around the importance of the diversity in our food system and the biodiversity on our planet.

 We have signed the The Seed Integrity Pledge and Open Source Seed Initiative.  

•   What are heirloom seeds?

Heirloom traditionally means that the seed variety has been passed down from generation to generation.  Fifty years is a common timeframe for a seed to be considered an ‘heirloom’.  Heirloom represents that they are open-pollinated, not hybrid (F1) or genetically modified.  They are varieties which have been grown and selected and prized for their desirable traits, their genetic purity, rich flavors, adaptability, and historical significance.

Since heirloom seeds are  are open-pollinated, they produce plants with the same characteristics as their parent plants and can adapt to local growing conditions over time, making them a valuable choice for seed saving and sustainable agriculture. Many heirloom seeds also have deep cultural and historical significance, representing the agricultural heritage of different regions and communities.

•   Are all of your seeds heirloom?

No, though many of them are. We offer a curated selection of both classic heirlooms and modern gardener favorites. Not all heirlooms are organic, as many were traditionally grown on small farms using methods that go beyond organic standards.

 

•   What does open-pollinated mean?

Open pollinated seeds will create similar offspring that resemble the original parents.  Open pollinated seeds produce offspring that are true-to-type.  Open-pollinated seeds adapt to your micro-climate, your soil and to you, hybrid seeds do not.  Open-pollinated seeds are not hybrids or genetically modified. 

 

•   Are  your seeds hybrids?

No.  Our seeds are all open-pollinated so that every gardener can save seeds from their garden!

 

•   What are hybrids?

Hybrid seeds (F1) originate from two different parent plants, of the same specie, that were genetically crossed to create the hybrid offspring.  Seeds of hybrid varieties can be sterile or commonly fail to breed true to type, it usually results in plant varieties that you do not know what you are going to get.

 

•   Are your seeds organic?

Most of our seeds are certified organic by CCOF and USDA.  Here is our organic certificate.  It is important to conserve the genetic diversity of many endangered varieties that are not available organically available on a commercial basis.  We work with small farmers who use organic practices.

On our farm, we utilize farming methods that often exceed organic standards. Our farm operates as a regenerative no-till farm, prioritizing sustainable practices aimed at enhancing soil health and biodiversity. Through these methods, we ensure the quality and integrity of our seeds while minimizing environmental impact without the use of any pesticides or herbicides.   We use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as our method of working with nature.

 

•   Are your seeds neonicotinoid-free?

Yes!  Here at The Living Seed Company we are passionate supporters of our pollinator allies and friends.  All of our flower seeds are neonicotinoid-free and none of our seeds have been sprayed or compromised in any way.  We believe in pure, clean seed that is just as healthy for you as it is for our earth and the creatures that we share our planet with!

 

•   How should seeds be stored?

Seeds are living, breathing embryos and should be stored in a cool, dark and dry environment. They are sensitive to heat, light, moisture and fluctuating temperatures.

We recommend storing seeds in a stable, cold (not freezing), dark and dry location. 

We do not recommend vacuum sealing seeds, as they need oxygen to maintain their viability. 

A Ball jar, placed in the refrigerator is ideal.  When taking the jar out of the fridge, allow the jar to acclimate to room temperature, before opening the lid. 

We pride ourselves on sending you the most fresh, vibrant and highest germinating seed.

• How long do seeds last?

 

Most vegetable seeds will maintain their viability for 3 - 5 years and in many cases as long as 10 years or longer.  Alliums (onions, leeks, chives, etc) are viable for 1 - 2 years.  

 How seeds are stored is key in maintaining their viability.  

•  Where do you source your seeds?

Depending on the year, we grow 10% - 20% of our own seed.  The rest we source from other seed farmers, primarily in California and Oregon.   All of our seed is grown in the United States.

 

• Do you ship internationally?

We ship throughout the United States and Canada.  We no longer ship beyond Canada, due to many countries plant restrictions and costly need for a phytosanitary certificate.  We apologize for this inconvenience.  After 10 years of serving our global customers, we are now unfortunately unable to.

 

 

• Do you send out a paper catalog?

We stopped printing/sending out paper catalogs early in our business in order to align with our environmental practices. We have a wonderful online catalog and orders are able to be made over the phone, if that is your preference. 

 

• Do you sell in bulk?

No.  We focus on the backyard gardener and only sell our seeds in small seed packets.

• Do you drop ship?

No.

• Do you coat your seeds with fungicides or any other protective agents?

No.

• Why am I not receiving free shipping?

Free shipping automatically applies if the order meets the minimum threshold, regardless of whether a coupon is used. However, if a coupon reduces the order total below the threshold, free shipping no longer applies.