The Best Seed Companies for Growing a Successful Garden in Texas

If you have seen the Adam Sandler movie, "Billy Madison", you most likely recall Billy's reaction to a certain day when his favorite magazine subscription would show up in the mail.  I too have a similar reaction when the season's new seeds arrive. Nothing makes me more anxious for the new season than when I get to lay out all of the packets for my excited eyes to gaze upon.

You might be thinking I am jumping the gun a little since it is the dead of winter, but January is the perfect time to start purchasing seeds to begin planting transplants for the spring.  Some growers choose to plant another round of root crops, brassicas, and greens at this time.   Since I still have plenty of cool season crops overwintering in the ground I am choosing to focus my efforts on planting out my warm season transplants early.  This will include: peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, and various flowers and herbs.

My shipment of new seeds has arrived!

Below you will find the list of my favorite seed companies.  Each one offers something slightly different, making each of them unique and valuable.  I hope you explore them all and have an enjoyable time choosing some fun varieties for your spring garden.

Texas Seed Companies

 Willhite Seed, Inc. - Poolville, TX

What started out as a watermelon seed company in a house in 1905 has now blossomed into a more diversified, yet still family owned, seed company in Poolville, TX.  They offer a wide-range of vegetable seeds and you can be sure that these varieties will do well here in Texas. 
https://www.willhiteseed.com/

Dixondale Farms - Carrizo Springs, TX

Dixondale Farms is the go-to source for onion sets.   This family owned company has been growing onions in Texas for over 100 years and they offer high quality onion sets perfect for growing in Texas.  Remember to shop in the "short day" section for onion varieties that will do well here.  I have had some success with the "intermediate day" varieties, but they didn't grow as large as they could have in a more Northern region. 
https://www.dixondalefarms.com/

East Texas Seed Company

I use the East Texas Seed company for all of my cover crop seed needs.  They have great customer service and fast shipping.  I recommend planting cowpeas and buckwheat in the summer, and a mix of hairy vetch and clover in the fall, winter, and spring as cover crops. 
​https://easttexasseedcompany.com/shopping/index.php 

Native American Seed Company - Junction, TX

Last but not least is the local family owned seed company in Junction, TX called Native American Seed.  This company specializes in native Texas grasses and wildflower seeds.  They are committed to providing 100% pure native seed and are a great source if you are looking to plant some blue bonnets or any other spring wildflower. 
http://www.seedsource.com/

National Seed Companies

Johnny's Seeds - Albion, Maine

This is hands down the best seed company in my opinion.  Johnny's is 100% employee owned and committed to quality.  They focus on highly productive hybrids, but they do have a good selection of heirloom and organic seeds as well.  Their prices tend to be slightly higher than most, but this is a perfect example of "you pay for what you get".
www.johnnyseeds.com

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds - Mansfield, Missouri

What is there not to love about Baker Creek Seed Company?  They're a family owned company with one of the largest collections of heirloom seeds in the world.  If you are looking to try something rare, unique, and interesting then you'll want to check them out.  I recommend requesting one of their famous seed catalogs because it's always more enjoyable to have something tangible to look through. 
​www.rareseeds.com

Botanical Interests - Broomfield, Colorado

Known for their incredibly detailed and informational seed packets, I always snag some seeds from the Botanical Interests rack at Producer's Co-op in Bryan.  They offer a good mix of heirloom and hybrids seeds, and the artwork on the packet is worth every penny. 

Botanical Interests

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TomatoFest - California

If you want to grow tomatoes then look no further than TomatoFest.  A husband and wife team in California with one of the largest selections of heirloom tomatoes around.  I purchased their "hot and humid" collection to grow at the farm this year.  One of the owners also happens to be from my hometown of Spokane, WA.

Click here to visit www.tomatofest.com

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Seeds of Change - Rancho Dominquez, California

Seeds of Change is a seed company that is dedicated to preserving heirloom varieties, all while giving plenty back to the community.  They donate 1% of all their sales to community-based garden projects, and have donated more than $1,000,000 to date.   They do have an Amazon store, which makes it convenient if you have a Prime account.   They also offer nutritious packaged meals if you're ever in a pinch and need a healthy option. 

Seeds of Change Store on Amazon

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Eden Brothers

Eden Brothers is my go-to company for ordering bulbs.  They do offer a large selection of vegetable and flower seeds as well, but they are a great source for a wide range of perennial bulbs and roots.  I will be ordering some gladiolus, ranunculus, and canna bulbs from them very soon!

Native Seeds - Tucson, Arizona

I highly recommend that you support this company as they are preserving some incredibly rare native varieties from the Southwest.  Most of what they offer is well adapted to drought and heat, making them perfect seed for Texas gardens.  We grew their Navajo Grey Hubbard squash at the farm and served it at the restaurant in the Summer of 2018 - it was a real treat!
​https://www.nativeseeds.org/

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