How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Ratings come from G2, Capterra or Trustpilot, with the date we checked them.
Key takeaways
- The best heirloom seed companies in 2026 preserve open pollinated varieties you can save seed from year after year, unlike hybrids whose saved seed does not grow true.
- Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds is the best pick for rare and global varieties, with free US shipping and a famous Whole Seed Catalog that gardeners treat as a reference book.
- Seed Savers Exchange is the best mission pick, a nonprofit founded in 1975 with over 20,000 heirloom varieties and a member exchange network of more than 13,000 people.
- Prices vary by variety and packet size, and popular varieties sell out fast, so order early in the season and check the company page for current pricing.
- Match the company to your climate: Territorial suits the Pacific Northwest, Southern Exposure suits the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, and High Mowing suits organic growers everywhere.
Quick comparison
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The best heirloom seed companies
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, based in Mansfield, Missouri, has been dedicated to heirloom seed preservation since 1998, offering one of the most diverse collections of rare seeds gathered from around the world. Its free Rare Seeds Catalog and paid Whole Seed Catalog are famous among gardeners, with stunning photography and stories about varieties you have likely never encountered, from cowpeas and dandelion greens to honeywort and hollyhocks.
The limits are availability and temptation. Popular varieties sell out quickly, and the catalog makes it easy to order more than your garden can hold. For a gardener who loves rare, global, and unusual heirlooms, Baker Creek is the best pick.
What we like- Huge rare and global heirloom selection
- Free US shipping
- Whole Seed Catalog is a beloved reference
- Donates seeds to impoverished countries
Watch out for- Popular varieties sell out fast
- Catalog tempts overspending
- Rare varieties can be fussier than mainstream ones
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Seed Savers Exchange was founded in 1975 and has been at the vanguard of the heirloom seed movement since, maintaining over 20,000 heirloom and open pollinated varieties. As a nonprofit, profits go back into preserving rare varieties, and its member exchange connects more than 13,000 people who share seeds passed down through generations.
The trade is shop versus exchange. The website shop offers a smaller curated selection, while the full exchange needs a free account and more effort to navigate. For a gardener who wants purchases to support preservation directly, Seed Savers Exchange is the best mission pick.
What we like- Nonprofit mission
- Over 20,000 heirloom varieties
- Member exchange network of 13,000 plus people
- Free catalog packed with information
Watch out for- Shop selection smaller than the full exchange
- Not all seeds certified organic
- Exchange takes more effort than a straight shop order
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Territorial Seed Company is a family owned Oregon company whose seeds are all trialed at their own farm, ensuring regional performance in the Pacific Northwest. Gardeners cite it as a favorite for heirloom seeds, with quick germination and a catalog with beautiful artwork, and it often stocks varieties late in the season after others sell out.
The limits are hybrid mixing and region. It sells hybrids alongside heirlooms, so check each variety if you want open pollinated only, and its regional strength is the Northwest. For a Pacific Northwest gardener, Territorial is the best regional pick.
What we like- All seeds trialed at their own Oregon farm
- Strong Pacific Northwest regional fit
- Beautiful catalog
- Family owned
Watch out for- Sells hybrids alongside heirlooms, so check each variety
- Regional focus suits the Northwest best
- Prices vary by variety
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
High Mowing Organic Seeds offers 100 percent certified organic seeds, with strong germination rates and a sustainability focus that suits organic growers. Its varieties are tested for organic systems, so performance without synthetic inputs is built into the selection.
The trade is heirloom purity and price. Not all varieties are heirlooms, and organic certification pushes prices higher than conventional seed. For an organic gardener who wants certified organic seed first, High Mowing is the best pick.
What we like- 100 percent certified organic seeds
- Strong germination rates
- Sustainability focus
- Good service
Watch out for- Not all varieties are heirlooms
- Prices can be higher than conventional seed
- Selection smaller than Baker Creek
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Johnny's Selected Seeds is an employee owned company committed to the Safe Seed Initiative, guaranteeing no genetically engineered seeds, with extensive trialing gardens and strict quality standards. Its detailed growing information and fast shipping keep planting schedules on track, and its broad selection covers seeds plus tools and supplies.
The limits are hybrid mixing and scale. It sells hybrids alongside heirlooms, and its farmer focus can overwhelm a casual gardener. For a serious vegetable gardener or market grower, Johnny's is the best professional pick.
What we like- Employee owned
- Very broad selection including tools and supplies
- Rigorous germination testing
- Fast shipping
- Safe Seed Initiative signer
Watch out for- Sells hybrids alongside heirlooms
- Farmer focus can overwhelm casual gardeners
- Bulk quantities suit growers more than small gardens
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange specializes in varieties adapted for the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, with transparent practices and selection for hot, humid climates where northern varieties struggle. It suits gardeners whose summers defeat varieties bred for cooler regions.
The trade is geography. Its regional focus may not suit northern or western climates, and not all seeds are organic. For a Southeast or Mid-Atlantic gardener, Southern Exposure is the best regional pick.
What we like- Varieties adapted for Mid-Atlantic and Southeast
- Transparent practices
- Good for hot humid climates
Watch out for- Regional focus may not suit all climates
- Not all seeds organic
- Smaller catalog than national companies
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Sow True Seed is recommended by experienced gardeners who buy from it year after year, with an open pollinated and heirloom focus, consistently good germination, and ethical company practices that support biodiversity in the food system. It suits gardeners who want to save seed from their harvests.
The limits are catalog size and fame. Its catalog is smaller than Baker Creek or Johnny's, and availability varies by season. For a gardener who values open pollinated seed and ethical sourcing, Sow True Seed is a strong pick.
What we like- Open pollinated and heirloom focus
- Good germination
- Ethical company practices
- Recommended by experienced gardeners year after year
Watch out for- Smaller catalog than Baker Creek or Johnny's
- Less name recognition
- Availability varies by season
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Fedco Seeds is a cooperative seed company recommended by experienced gardeners for good value and strong germination. Its cooperative model keeps prices fair and its catalog diverse, covering vegetables, flowers, and herbs for cold climate gardeners especially.
The trade is presentation and timing. Its catalog is plain compared to Baker Creek beautiful books, and ordering windows matter for popular varieties. For a value conscious gardener who likes the cooperative model, Fedco is the best value pick.
What we like- Cooperative model with good value
- Recommended by experienced gardeners
- Strong germination
- Diverse catalog
Watch out for- Catalog style is plain compared to Baker Creek
- Ordering window matters
- Smaller marketing presence
How we chose
We ranked companies by heirloom variety depth, germination quality, mission, and regional fit. We favored companies with strong germination records and transparent practices, since seed quality decides the season more than catalog beauty. We gave extra weight to preservation missions, because heirloom gardening is partly about keeping varieties alive for future gardeners.
We also weighed honesty about hybrids. Several companies on this list sell hybrids alongside heirlooms, so gardeners who want open pollinated only should check each variety. Prices vary by variety and packet size, so all starting prices are written as "See website", and readers should check the company page for current pricing.
Buying guide
Start by naming your climate and your goal. For rare varieties, shortlist Baker Creek. For preservation, shortlist Seed Savers Exchange. For organic, shortlist High Mowing. For regional fit, shortlist Territorial in the Northwest or Southern Exposure in the Southeast. For value, shortlist Fedco.
Next, order early. Seeds are a limited commodity, popular varieties sell out quickly, and a variety you skip in January may be gone by March. Store extra seeds in a cool, dry place, since seeds keep for several years when stored well, which supports succession planting.
Finally, check whether each variety is open pollinated if you plan to save seed. Hybrids will not grow true from saved seed, while open pollinated heirlooms will, which is the point of heirloom gardening for many growers. Match varieties to your frost dates, sun, and space before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
What is an heirloom seed?
An heirloom seed comes from an open pollinated variety passed down for generations, usually 50 years or more, and saved seed from heirlooms grows true to the parent plant, unlike hybrid seed.
What is the best heirloom seed company overall?
Baker Creek is the best pick for rare and global varieties, while Seed Savers Exchange is best for preservation mission and Territorial is best for the Pacific Northwest. The best pick depends on your garden goals.
Are heirloom seeds organic?
Not always. Heirloom describes the variety history, while organic describes how the seed was grown. High Mowing offers 100 percent certified organic seeds, while other companies mix organic and conventionally grown heirloom seed.
When should I order heirloom seeds?
Order as early as possible in the season, since popular varieties sell out quickly. Winter catalog browsing is the traditional time to plan, and early orders secure the varieties you want.
Can I save seeds from heirloom plants?
Yes. Open pollinated heirloom varieties grow true from saved seed, so you can save seed from your harvest for next year, provided you avoid cross pollination between compatible varieties.
How long do seeds last?
Seeds keep for several years if stored in a cool, dry location, though germination rates decline over time. Store extras properly for succession planting or later seasons.
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Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has 5+ years in B2B and SaaS SEO. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
Seed Savers Exchange
Territorial Seed Company
High Mowing Organic Seeds
Johnny's Selected Seeds
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange
Sow True Seed
Fedco Seeds