{"id":31212,"date":"2024-01-23T14:15:47","date_gmt":"2024-01-23T13:15:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/4cadef18-460e-4517-8b8b-9aa53ec0a772"},"modified":"2024-01-23T14:35:11","modified_gmt":"2024-01-23T13:35:11","slug":"our-round-up-of-our-favourite-seed-suppliers-for-your-online-seed-order-this-year","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/rss_feed\/our-round-up-of-our-favourite-seed-suppliers-for-your-online-seed-order-this-year\/","title":{"rendered":"Our round up of our favourite seed suppliers for your online seed order this year"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"rssexcerpt\">If you&#8217;re looking for inspiration for this year&#8217;s crop of flowers, herbs and vegetables, take a look at our recommended seed suppliers in 2024 <\/p><p class=\"rssauthor\">By Sorrel Everton\n      <\/p><p class=\"rssbyline\">Published: Tuesday, 23 January 2024 at 13:15 PM<\/p><hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator\"\/><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\" standalone=\"yes\"?>\n<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><p>Choosing and buying seeds for the year ahead is an exciting task for a gardener and during the dark days of winter when being stuck indoors is the only option, flicking through seed catalogues is a welcome reminder that spring will return. There are many seed suppliers to choose from, many of which are specialists in their field.<\/p><p><strong>Here are the best places to buy seeds<\/strong><\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"><iframe title=\"The best places to buy seeds\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/EqB53OXsox8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/><\/div><\/figure><p>With careful planning you&#8217;ll have the perfect selection of seeds for the next growing season. We&#8217;d recommend always checking the seed suppliers&#8217; organic credentials and trying to pick seeds which will grow into plants that are perfect for wildlife.<\/p><p>We&#8217;ve put together a list of our favourite seed suppliers, divided into flowers, vegetables and wild flowers, to give you a head start on your gardening year.<\/p><p>Looking for plants? See our list of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/plants\/best-places-to-buy-plants-online\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">best places to buy plants online<\/a>.<\/p><div class=\"is-layout-flow is-layout-flow wp-block-group highlight-box\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\"><h4 id=\"h-best-seed-suppliers-at-a-glance\">Best seed suppliers: at a glance<\/h4><ul><li><a href=\"#link-name-a\">The best places to buy flower seeds<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#link-name-b\">The best places to buy vegetable seeds<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#link-name-c\">Where to buy wildflower seeds<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><h2 id=\"h-the-best-seed-suppliers-in-2024\">The best seed suppliers in 2024<\/h2><h3 id=\"h-the-best-places-to-buy-flower-seeds\"><a id=\"link-name-a\"\/>The best places to buy flower seeds<\/h3><p><a href=\"https:\/\/chilternseeds.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chiltern Seeds<\/a><\/p><p>The Chiltern Seeds catalogue is always tempting with a selection of inspiring images. Cultivar choice is excellent and descriptions always helpful.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.crocus.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Crocus<\/a><\/p><p>Since starting out in the year 2000, Crocus has become the largest gardening website in the UK with around 4,000 plants and seeds available to buy.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-landscape_thumbnail\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Seed sowing &#8211; \u00a9 Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dobies.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dobies<\/a><\/p><p>As international suppliers of flower and vegetable seeds, Dobies has sold products direct to gardeners since 1894.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/mr-fothergills.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mr Fothergill\u2019s<\/a><br\/>An extensive range of flower and vegetable seeds, including potato, onion and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/plants\/bulbs\/how-to-grow-garlic\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">garlic<\/a> sets. Plantsman Graham Rice writes a regular blog for the website, which provides useful discussion on some aspect of Mr Fothergill\u2019s offerings.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardeningexpress.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gardening Express<\/a><\/p><p>Online retailer Gardening Express now sells thousands of plants and seeds every week throughout the UK and Europe. If they don&#8217;t have a plant that you&#8217;re looking for then they&#8217;ll endeavour to get hold of it for you.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/shop.greatdixter.co.uk\/collections\/greatdixterseed\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Great Dixter<\/a><\/p><p>If you\u2019ve visited this iconic garden, you\u2019ll have been delighted by its sheer exuberance, colour and range of plants through the season. The nursery offers flower seeds from its own stock chosen by the staff and students as notable. Seed is then harvested fresh by hand and supplied in glassine bags.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/higgledygarden.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Higgledy Garden<\/a><\/p><p>Grower and owner Benjamin Ranyard trials a selection of flowers at his field in Suffolk. He then sells a range of seed specifically for the flower cutting patch \u2013 sometimes working with florists to ensure the best range. The Higgledy website also has plenty of growing tips and a monthly planting guide.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2359\" height=\"3072\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2019\/09\/GettyImages-1012026902-f3e9844.jpg\" alt=\"Parsley seed packet\" class=\"wp-image-11414\" title=\"Parsley seed packet\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Seed suppliers: where to buy seeds &#8211; \u00a9 Picturenow\/Universal Images Group via Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure><p><a href=\"https:\/\/plant-world-seeds.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Plant World Seeds<\/a><\/p><p>Extensive range of seeds for flowers and vegetables but also trees and shrubs and grasses \u2013 many of them rare and unusual. It ships around the world.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/plantsofdistinction.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Plants of Distinction<\/a><\/p><p>A small, family-run business based in Suffolk that has built up a good range of both flower and vegetables that rivals some of the larger, more commercial seed companies.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.primrose.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Primrose<\/a><\/p><p>Online retailer Primrose of Reading, Berkshire, has a large range of flower and vegetable seeds along with almost everything garden related.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/sarahraven.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sarah Raven<\/a><\/p><p>Sarah is renowned for her carefully curated collections of traditional flowers for her cutting garden. Her seed selection is relatively small but you can be assured that those she has included are good ones.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-landscape_thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"6000\" height=\"4000\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2023\/01\/GettyImages-1351675574-657d426.jpg\" alt=\"Seed sowing\" class=\"wp-image-102581\" title=\"Seed sowing\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Seed sowing &#8211; \u00a9 getty<\/figcaption><\/figure><p><a href=\"https:\/\/specialplants.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Special Plants<\/a><\/p><p>Plantswoman Derry Watkins runs a fantastic nursery in a hidden valley near Bath. Her plant selection is impeccable and you\u2019ll always find something of interest there. Added to which, she sells a range of flower seed too. Of particular note is her fresh seed.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/thompson-morgan.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Thompson &amp; Morgan<\/a><\/p><p>Established in 1855, Thompson &amp; Morgan has a wide range of seed for flowers and vegetables, regularly winning awards for its offerings. You\u2019ll find plenty of choice on cultivars and good descriptions.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/unwins.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Unwins<\/a><\/p><p>Another of the big all-rounders with a wide range of seed \u2013 many offered as part of special deals \u2013 so worth keeping an eye out for seasonal promotions. Unwins is best known for its range of sweet peas, and has an ongoing breeding programme and extensive sweet pea trials each year.<\/p><h3 id=\"h-the-best-places-to-buy-vegetable-seeds\"><a id=\"link-name-b\"\/>The best places to buy vegetable seeds<\/h3><p><a href=\"https:\/\/hsl.gardenorganic.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Heritage Seed Library<\/a><\/p><p>Run by Garden Organic, the Heritage Seed Library is a members-only resource that offers a selection of rare, hard-to-get-hold-of, heritage vegetable seed \u2013 many of which have been lost to standard seed catalogues.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/jekkasherbfarm.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jekka\u2019s Herb Farm<\/a><\/p><p>If you are growing for flavour then herbs are an essential, and probably your best guide as to which to grow is award-winner Jekka McVicar. The nursery stocks 140 varieties of herb, with notables including winter purslane as an excellent winter salad crop; summer savoury, excellent with all forms of beans and pulses; and blue hyssop for its savoury minty\/thyme flavour \u2013 and pollinator popular blue flowers.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/kingsseeds.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kings Seeds<\/a><\/p><p>Much of Kings Seeds stock comes from its own 300-acre farm. Good selection of vegetables and flower cultivars, including an organic range of vegetable seed. It also stocks the range from Suffolk Herbs.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/marshalls-seeds.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Marshalls<\/a><\/p><p>A good all-rounder, with plenty of choice covering a range of different vegetables. The duo packs, with two complementary cultivars, are a great way to discover more of the variety available within one vegetable type and benefit from an extended harvesting season or variations in flavour.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wholesale.molesseeds.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Moles Seeds<\/a><\/p><p>An independent seed merchant with good selection sourced from some of the best seed producers. Anyone looking to current food trends should check the sections on crops best suited to baby leaf and microgreens harvesting. Although wholesale, Moles Seeds will supply anyone looking for larger quantities, so great for smallholding owners and gardening groups.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/seedcooperative.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Seed Co-Operative<\/a><\/p><p>An initiative was set up on the belief that the future of food needs to be rooted in a diversity of genetics and wildlife. All seed are from open pollinated varieties, adapted to organic growing systems. Finalists in the 2017 BBC Food and Farming Awards.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/pennardplants.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pennard Plants<\/a><\/p><p>A 2019 RHS Master Grower, Pennard Plants sells one of the largest selections of edible plants, heritage and heirloom seeds, fruits and herbs. All the stock is UK grown, many of it by themselves in their Victorian walled garden in Somerset. For those keen to grow their own plant protein, Pennard stocks amaranthus and quinoa seeds.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/realseeds.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Real Seeds<\/a><\/p><p>Everything in Real Seeds\u2019 offering has been chosen only after trialling to check its success both in the vegetable garden and in the kitchen. All seed are open pollinated (non-hybrid) so you can collect and resow your own seed from one year to the next.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2035\" height=\"3071\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2019\/09\/GettyImages-1012018776-1bddf22.jpg\" alt=\"Variety of flowers seed packet\" class=\"wp-image-11412\" title=\"Variety of flowers seed packet\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Variety of flowers seed packet &#8211; \u00a9 Picturenow\/Universal Images Group via Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure><p><a href=\"https:\/\/seaspringseeds.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sea Spring Seeds<\/a><\/p><p>Every vegetable cultivar has been tested before it\u2019s included in the catalogue. For 2019 it is encouraging us to try \u2018mange tout\u2019 chilli peppers. Cultivars such as \u2018Hungarian Hot Wax\u2019 and \u2018Frigitello\u2019 can be harvested small and either fried or grilled to be eaten whole in the same way as Padr\u00f3n peppers.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/seedsofitaly.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Seeds of Italy<\/a><\/p><p>Paolo Arrigo who is a passionate seedsmen has declared a climate emergency on seed biodiversity. \u201cIn just 100 years, 94 per cent of the world\u2019s heritage veg has gone,\u201d says Paolo. Franchi focuses on the remaining six per cent, promoting them for their taste and regional diversity and including cultivars from the Slow Food Ark of Taste, the register of foods at risk of being lost.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/suttons.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Suttons<\/a><\/p><p>Nice, clear website that makes it easy to find what you want from Suttons\u2019 all-round range of seeds. It also works with ethnobotanist James Wong to offer a range of vegetables and edible flower seeds that James has chosen for their focus on flavour and high nutritional value.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/tamarorganics.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tamar Organics<\/a><\/p><p>A good range of vegetables for the organic gardener along with helpful, clear, growing advice. Tamar Organics supports charity Joliba Trust working in central Mali to help fund horticultural projects.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/thomasetty.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Thomas Etty<\/a><\/p><p>Among the range of vegetables offered by Thomas Etty are 52 perennial vegetables \u2013 an option for grow your own often overlooked. Examples such as sea orach, tuberous pea, perennial broccoli and skirret are worth having a look at, alongside more unusual veg choices, such as the pink \u2018Roscoff\u2019 onion from Brittany with its unique flavour good for eating raw or cooked and \u2018Tall Telephone\u2019 pea yielding eight to ten peas per large pod.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chilternseeds.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chiltern seeds<\/a><\/p><p>There is always something to look forward to in Chiltern\u2019s herb and vegetable selections. This year it has included British basil \u2013 selected specifically for growing in the UK and climbing bean \u2018Cobra\u2019, encouragingly resistant to a variable British summer. Look out for beetroot \u2018Crapaudine\u2019, new to Chiltern Seeds. This is one of the oldest beetroot cultivars, carrot shaped and with an oddly rough skin (resembling its namesake derived from the French for toad). Underneath is a richly coloured flesh with superior flavour.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2224\" height=\"3071\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2019\/09\/GettyImages-1012019174-2000a2a.jpg\" alt=\"Tomato seed packet\" class=\"wp-image-11413\" title=\"Tomato seed packet\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tomato seed packet &#8211; \u00a9 Picturenow\/Universal Images Group via Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure><h3 id=\"h-where-to-buy-wildflower-seeds\"><a id=\"link-name-c\"\/>Where to buy wildflower seeds<\/h3><p><a href=\"https:\/\/wildseed.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Emorsgate seeds<\/a><\/p><p>Run by committed botanists and ecologists to promote the importance not just of growing more wildflowers but of working with nature. Its wildflower and grass mixes are grouped by habitat, such as meadow, and then by soil type so you get the right mix of species for your area. Excellent whether you\u2019re creating a large meadow area or simply want to increase the biodiversity in your garden.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/pictorialmeadows.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pictorial meadows<\/a><\/p><p>Seed mixes for annual and perennial meadow-style planting. These were originally developed by Nigel Dunnett from his work at the University of Sheffield and are aimed to provide impact of colour and lots of nectar-rich flower<\/p><h3 id=\"h-other-resources\">Other resources<\/h3><p><strong>Seed swaps<\/strong><br\/>If you are looking for recommended, locally suited, unusual cultivars of flowers and vegetables, try researching community seed swapping events. These are a great opportunity to meet other growers, hear first-hand of growing experiences and discover new favourites.<\/p><p><strong>Wakehurst Seed Bank<\/strong><br\/>And finally, a word for the wonder of seeds and the biodiversity they represent. The Millennium Seed Bank, at Wakehurst Place in Sussex, is Kew\u2019s project to conserve 25 per cent of the world\u2019s seeds to ensure against future extinction. See the website to find out more and discover the amazing science behind seeds.<br\/><a href=\"https:\/\/kew.org\/wakehurst\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">kew.org\/wakehurst<\/a><\/p><p>Planting your own garden from seed is an incredibly rewarding experience, and not to mention affordable! Bring your garden to life with a range of fabulous flower, herb, vegetable, and wildflower seeds from our favourite retailers. If you&#8217;re looking for more online plant purchases, check out our list of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/plants\/top-10-plant-gift-subscriptions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">best plant subscriptions services<\/a> to give the gift that keeps on giving to a loved one, or just for yourself.<\/p><p>For more inspiration on what to plant in your garden, don&#8217;t miss our advice on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/plants\/perennial-plants-best\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">best perennials<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/garden-advice\/how-to\/attract-wildlife-garden\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">how to plant a wildlife garden<\/a>. For detailed advice on sowing seeds, head to our guide to <a href=\"\/\/38bbf312-aaa4-46e5-9aef-39e301225940\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">planting seeds<\/a>.<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n<hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator\"\/>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you&#8217;re looking for inspiration for this year&#8217;s crop of flowers, herbs and vegetables, take a look at our recommended seed suppliers in 2024 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":31213,"template":"","categories":[1,51],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"9"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2024\/01\/our-round-up-of-our-favourite-seed-suppliers-for-your-online-seed-order-this-year-scaled.jpg",2560,1707,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2024\/01\/our-round-up-of-our-favourite-seed-suppliers-for-your-online-seed-order-this-year-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2024\/01\/our-round-up-of-our-favourite-seed-suppliers-for-your-online-seed-order-this-year-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2024\/01\/our-round-up-of-our-favourite-seed-suppliers-for-your-online-seed-order-this-year-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2024\/01\/our-round-up-of-our-favourite-seed-suppliers-for-your-online-seed-order-this-year-1024x683.jpg",800,534,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2024\/01\/our-round-up-of-our-favourite-seed-suppliers-for-your-online-seed-order-this-year-1536x1024.jpg",1536,1024,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2024\/01\/our-round-up-of-our-favourite-seed-suppliers-for-your-online-seed-order-this-year-2048x1365.jpg",2048,1365,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"If you're looking for inspiration for this year's crop of flowers, herbs and vegetables, take a look at our recommended seed suppliers in 2024","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/31212"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/31213"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31212"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31212"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}