Saving and Sourcing Open-Pollinated Seeds

Are you sowing seeds in your garden? Want to know where to source certified organic, heirloom and open-pollinated seeds?  Dig in to learn more about the different types of seeds and where to source them.

Grow your food from safe seeds

These seeds will produce plants that are ‘true-to-type.’ This just means the plants grown from these seeds will have the same characteristics as the parent. More importantly,  you will be able to save seed from the plants you grow.

Save edible seeds with important characteristics

Seed Saving Terminology – What does it all mean?

To get a better picture of the terminology and what type of seed to source, here’s a brief definition of some of these terms:

Hybrid (and F₁) Seed Varieties

These seeds are the result of breeding techniques that usually involve highly inbred parent varieties.

• These plants have been cultivated with specific characteristics such as high yield or size. Unfortunately, if you save seeds from them they won’t grow true-to-type. It’s a bit of a lottery as to what you will get.

• F₁ Hybrids have to be created every time by crossing the same parents.

• They are bred for uniformity and ‘hybrid vigour’. A blend of qualities that enable the plant to grow more successfully than either of its parents. This may have advantages, but they become less vigorous in subsequent generations.

Hybrid plants do not give reliable results for seed saving. This is because they will either be sterile or the plants of the next generation may vary widely in their characteristics, uniformity and maturity.

These types of seeds suit growers who require uniform ripening and consistently sized produce to meet market deadlines. This makes harvesting and farm production much easier. However, the farmers (and consumers) usually pay the price with a need for high inputs of fertilisers and pesticides, to achieve such standardised production.  Sadly, the majority of the food grown today is grown in this way with hybrids.

“Unless you are looking at plant breeding for your own home garden, start with open-pollinated seeds instead.”

Fresh home-grown herbs in a kitchen garden

“The best and healthiest food is prepared, in the main, from ingredients that are grown close to you, in your own soil, if possible, and harvested and enjoyed in the correct season.  Food plants, grown organically, that have adapted themselves to your garden over generations of seed saving, will perform noticeably better in your kitchen than generalised hybrid plants, grown (and possibly contaminated) by chemical methods far away from your region, and subject to transportation and storage.  Good gardening produces good plants and good plants provide wholesome food.” – Michael Boddy, Good Food Book

Home grown garden veggies are higher in nutrition and superior in taste than chemically-grown produce.

Open-pollinated Seeds

These seeds are stable, non-hybrid varieties of plants, resulting from pollination between the same or genetically similar parents.

• In nature, plant flowers are pollinated by insects, birds and the wind.
• These seeds are particularly suited to home gardeners because they don’t compromise on flavour and nutrition.
• Open-pollinated seeds can be saved for future planting.

Heirloom Seeds

Heirloom (also known as Heritage) seeds are non-hybrid varieties that have been passed down from one generation to the next but are not usually used in modern agriculture.

• These are sometimes the weird and wonderful varieties we don’t see any more in the supermarket.
• Heirloom seeds are usually grown by people who value the unique qualities and preserve the genetic diversity of these seeds.

Select and save seeds carefully for important characteristics in your plants

Some of the advantages of heirloom or heritage seeds are characteristics of good flavour, higher nutritional value, longer harvesting periods and strong genetic make-up.

“The heritage of the past is the seed that brings forth the harvest of the future.” – Wendell Phillips

Certified Organic Seeds

Certified organic seeds are grown under strict conditions without any chemicals.  If you are not buying heirloom varieties or certified organic/biodynamic seed, then it is best to check whether the seeds have been grown with traditional chemicals including pesticides, fungicides and herbicides. Certified organic seeds are not genetically modified and may be labelled ‘Non-GMO’. They will also have a certified organic logo. If you’re not familiar with the health impacts of genetically engineered foods, I highly recommend you read Genetic Roulette by Jeffrey M Smith.

You need to know you will be eating and growing safe seeds and food. It’s also important to consider the impact of chemically grown plants on bees.

Where to Source Open-pollinated Seeds & Organic Seedlings

If you live in the eastern mainland states of Australia, you can order seed by mail from other states.  However, there are quarantine regulations on some species of seed for Tasmania and Western Australia.

The advantage of buying local seeds (those in your own state or local region) is they are likely to be adapted to your climatic conditions. However, for greater diversity, there is no reason why you can’t buy seeds from other regions. With a little patience, these seeds will adapt to your own area and garden.

Many of these suppliers offer online catalogues or can mail you one upon request.  Most seed companies are looking for reliable seed savers for some of their seed needs.

PLEASE NOTE: I regularly update this list as I become aware of new suppliers. To the best of my knowledge, all the information is currently correct.  If you find another supplier, please let me know by leaving a comment so others can benefit.

You can also source seeds for vegetables, herbs, fruit, flowers and microgreens/sprouts online.

Affiliate Links: Your support of this site is appreciated!

Queensland

Green Harvest – Have a free Australian Organic Gardening Resource Guide and sell a wide variety of open-pollinated, certified organic and organically grown vegetable and herb seeds, sprouting seeds, flowers, some food trees, shrubs and vines as well as green manure mixes (including inoculants) and organic gardening products and books.  They also sell a seasonal range of rare and unusual perennial vegetables.   Many of the non-organic seeds are grown by Green Harvest or a network of small growers using natural methods.  Any exceptions to open-pollinated seeds are clearly marked “F1.”  Seeds available online, by phone or collect from Witta on the Sunshine Coast.

Eden Seeds and Select Organic – Have non-hybrid old traditional open-pollinated varieties with no chemical treatment.  None are genetically engineered and organically or biodynamically grown where possible and are fungicide free.  Sell a variety of vegetable, herb, grain, legume, green manure and flower seeds and some trees.  Some of the certified organic range are imported.  Seeds available online or mail order catalogue.

All Rare Herbs – Have a wide range of culinary and medicinal herbs, plants and fruit trees.  The majority of their plants and herbs are OGA Certified Organic.  Seeds and plants are available to order online or by phone.

AB Seeds, Brisbane. Sell organic, old-fashioned, heritage, and open-pollinated seeds that have not been genetically modified.

Redland Organic Growers Inc (ROGI), Alexandra Hills, North Brisbane. Sell safe seeds and seedlings at monthly meetings.

Mudbrick Cottage Herb Farm – Located at Mudgeeraba in the Gold Coast hinterland, the farm sells over 300 varieties of herbs from the common varieties through to the rare, medicinal, culinary and unusual.  Herbs are grown with organic principles using certified organic potting mixes and fertilizers.  Plants are free of chemical pesticides and herbicides. Seeds available online.

Northey Street City Farm Nursery and Organic Farmers Markets – Windsor, North Brisbane.

Shipards Herb Farm – Sunshine Coast. A wide range of non-hybrid, non-GMO seeds, seedlings and plant material including herbs, legumes, fruit trees, vines, edibles and ornamentals as well as sprouting seeds.  Available to order by phone or online catalogue.  See Isabell Shipard’s book ‘How Can I Use Herbs in My Daily Life?‘ for more information on uses for over 500 herbs.

Succeed Heirlooms – All seed lines are untreated and open-pollinated (no GMO or hybrid varieties) and many are traditional heirloom varieties passed down over generations.  Some varieties are grown and collected on-site in Ashgrove (Brisbane) and others are sourced from their small network of growers, most of whom are located in either South-East QLD or Northern NSW.  Order via the online seed catalogue. Email Evan Davies at seeds@succeedheirlooms.com.au.

Brisbane Organic Growers Inc. – The BOGI Seed Bank is a collection of seeds donated by various members of BOGI from plants that are organically grown and non-hybrid varieties or purchased from a reliable source. Includes insect attracting flowers, vegetables and herbs.  Seeds are $1 a packet. The number of seeds provided varies, but it is generally enough for a couple of harvests (i.e. just the right amount). Seeds are available for purchase at the General Meetings as well as certain special events such as the BOGI Fair each October.

Seedmart Australia offers a range of hand-selected heirloom, traditional, and open-pollinated seeds. Their range of untreated seeds, pulses and grains includes seeds suitable for microgreens. Based in Brisbane.

ABSeeds (All ‘Bout Seeds) – Provide organic, old-fashioned, heritage, and open-pollinated seeds that have not been genetically modified. Based in Brisbane.

Sunshine Coast Roadside Stalls – This Facebook group lists current locations for where you can pick up locally grown seedlings.

Heirloom Seedlings – Roadside honesty-box stall on the corner of Nambour-Mapleton Rd and Willandra Place, Kureelpa (between Nambour and Mapleton), Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Sells a great range of seedlings, all grown from Digger’s heirloom seeds. Punnets are $2 each, plants are healthy and you can browse a laminated catalogue to find out what you’re buying.

Peter Kearney, Biodynamic Grower Brisbane – Supplies organic vegetable, fruit and herb seedlings propagated with organic methods. Seeds are mostly from non-hybrid saved seeds (well acclimatised to the local climate) grown originally from either Eden Seeds or Green Harvest. No chemicals used. Grown organically and biodynamically producing strong seeds and healthy plant stock. Roadside stall at the front of the property @ 203 Wights Mountain Road, Wights Mountain, North Brisbane. Phone 0401 156 532 for current stock or drop in.

Edible Landscapes Nursery – Northey Street City Farm, Corner of Northey Street & Victoria Street, Windsor, Brisbane. All seedlings and plants are grown from open-pollinated seeds from organic sources, the potting mix is also organic and produced at Northey Street City Farm in their Green Waste Recycling Centre. No chemicals are used in the production of their seedlings. Visit the nursery during open hours Tuesday-Sunday. For all enquiries, phone (07) 3857 8774.

NSW

The Lost Seed – A wide range of vegetable, herb, flowers and edible flower seeds and other gardening supplies.  All seed is non-hybrid, open-pollinated, non-GMO, chemical-free, germination tested and where possible organic or organically grown.  Order online, by phone (02) 6493 0486, post or fax or find The Lost Seed at your local retailer. Email: thelostseed@mail.com

Greenpatch Organic Seeds – 100% organically grown, non-hybrid range of seeds produced in Australia.  Majority of seeds are heritage or heirloom varieties including vegetables, flowers, herbs, native exotics, legumes, grains, grasses and sprouts, fruiting plants and seasonal bare-rooted food plants and a variety of gardening products and books. Order seeds online, by phone or mail order catalogue.

Happy Valley Seeds – An Australian family-owned and operated company located in Sydney selling vegetable, herb, sprouts, grains, green manure, and flower seeds. They offer heirloom, open-pollinated, natural as well as select hybrid variety seeds.

Sow Good Seeds sell open-pollinated, heirloom, non-GMO and select hybrid vegetable and herb seeds from Australia. Their seeds have high germination rates, and are not chemically treated.

Life-Force Seeds – A variety of edible seeds grown organically.

4 Seasons Seeds – Sell a variety of microgreens, vegetable, herb and flower seeds.

Pleasance Herbs – A range of organic medicinal herb, vegetable and sprouting seeds.  Available to order online, by phone, fax or email.

Mr Fothergills Seeds – Have a range of organic vegetable and herb seeds as well as heirloom varieties.  Product lists available online and seeds sold at retail outlets.

The Italian Gardener – Sell a range of high-quality seed of classic heirloom Italian vegetables renowned for their vigour and flavour. Seeds are grown organically in Italy. They carry a range of some 200 varieties of herbs and vegetables that are grown successfully by backyard growers, small  holders supplying growers markets and commercial growers. Some hybrids.

There is also a helpful discussion on Seed Companies and Fruit Tree Suppliers at Brisbane Local Food.

Victoria

Goodman Seeds – No certified organic seed. All vegetable seeds are open-pollinated except for the following hybrids – Corn (all); Cabbage (little gem); Carrot Western majestic; Cucumber climbing burpless; and Zucchini Blackjack. Certified seed potatoes and bare-rooted berries also available.

New Gippsland Seeds & Bulbs – A wide range of herb and vegetable seeds. Non-GMO. Most varieties are open-pollinated and hybrids are clearly marked in their online catalogue.

The Seed Collection – Seeds are all non-hybrid varieties with no chemical treatment and no genetic engineering. Very economical prices and free delivery for orders over $5.

The Diggers Club – Australia’s largest garden club.  Diggers are anti-GM, anti-industrial agriculture and pro-organic.  Have some open-pollinated seed (including organic) and a range or heirloom seeds.  Discounts for Diggers Club members.  Specialise in growing hard to find, non-mainstream seeds and plants.  Order online.

Birdland Organic Seeds – Located in southern Victoria. Birdland is a family owned micro business specializing in open-pollinated organic seed. All seed grown on site is organic, non-hybrid, non-GMO, pesticide and herbicide-free.

Backyard Seeds – An heirloom vegetable and herb seed specialist in the Yarra Valley, Victoria. Seeds are open-pollinated, non-hybrid and non-GMO. Very economical prices. They specialise in heirloom variety packs for the backyard gardener.

South Australia

Heirloom Harvest Seeds – Traditional, heirloom, organic and open-pollinated varieties.  Available online.

Tasmania

Four Seasons Herbs – Stock a large range and specialise in organically grown culinary, medicinal, companion and fragrant herbs as well as gourmet vegetable and herb seeds.  Carry an extensive range of both potted and seed varieties. Most of their plants are grown from heritage varieties that are not genetically modified, are non-hybrid, open-pollinated stock or seed and are chemical-free.  No chemical pesticides, insecticides or fungicides are used. In most cases, the plants are grown from organic seeds. They grow their plants naturally, using organic methods, although not accredited. Also sell certified organic seed potatoes.  Available online.

Southern Harvest – Grow seed and have trial gardens to provide the best varieties. They also have a network of growers who supply them with seed. All their homegrown and locally grown seeds are free of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides and they don’t stock any GMO seeds. Some growers are certified organic and other ‘natural’ growers who use only natural, biological or organic methods but have not gone through the cost or process of being certified.  They also grow organic garlic and sell through Salamanca Market in Hobart on Saturdays or online. They stock a wide range of seeds both old and new varieties (herbs, vegetables, natives and cottage garden) including heirloom (heritage) seeds. Order online.

Rangeview Seeds – A good variety of organic, non-GMO vegetable and herb seeds along with organic seeds for sprouts and other gardening supplies.  Order online.

Western Australia

The Greenhouse – All seeds are either organic/certified organic or bio-dynamic non-hybrid/open-pollinated vegetable and herb seeds.  Non-GMO.  Seed packets are available online and from some retail outlets and stalls.

Yilgarn Seeds – Drylands Permaculture Farm –  Yilgarn Seeds are organic heirloom varieties of vegetables and herbs, fruit and flowers. Sourced and acclimatised to suit the semi-arid climate in WA and grown in the nursery’s own chemical-free food gardens and rarely found on supermarket shelves. They are all ‘open-pollinated’ and can be saved for planting in the following season. Many varieties are also suitable for growing in different climates, although the time of the year you plant them may vary.  Seed packets are also available from some other suppliers.   They do not have credit card facilities however do accept direct bank debit, cheques or money orders.  The seed catalogue and order form are updated as fresh seed becomes available from their garden.

Seeds2freedom has a good range of organic, heirloom and open-pollinated seeds including vegetables, flowers and herbs.  They are non-hybrid, non-GMO seeds – sourced primarily from Australian growers and some from overseas (USA). Order online.

Online Only

Fair Dinkum Seeds – A large, constantly changing selection of seeds, plants and even the odd herbs. Selling worldwide via their eBay store. Old style heirlooms, organic, rare and interesting forms, bushtucker species, and unusual seeds.

Importing Seeds and Posting Seeds around Australia 

To learn more about the state and federal regulations for bringing seeds into the country or posting them to others, check the AQIS (Australian Quarantine Inspection Service) website for what is allowed. One of the recommendations is to ensure that the seed supplier clearly marks the botanical name on the seed packet and/or your invoice/documentation so you can supply this to AQIS if needed.

GeneWatch UK is a not-for-profit group that monitors developments in genetic technologies from a public interest, human rights, environmental protection and animal welfare perspective. GeneWatch believes people should have a voice in whether or how these technologies are used and campaigns for safeguards for people, animals and the environment. We work on all aspects of genetic technologies – from GM crops and foods to genetic testing of humans.

International Seed Sources

A regularly updated list of seed companies is put together by Off Grid Info listing a number of countries including US, UK, Ireland, Europe, New Zealand, South Africa and Canada so check that out. Organic Consumers Organisation has many articles and information on seeds to help you make more informed decisions.

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds; High Mowing Organic Seeds and the Sustainable Seed Co are also great US companies to check out.

A selection of other seed sources via Rural Spin

Want to learn more about seeds? Check out five reasons to start growing your own food from seed or for more information about a local seed saving network in your area, visit The Seed Savers Network. Find educational resources on genetically modified food at Seeds of Deception and Genetic Roulette.

Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission. I only recommend products or services I use personally or believe will add value to my readers. Please read my Disclosure Statement for more details.

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© Copyright Anne Gibson, The Micro Gardener 2016. https://themicrogardener.com. All rights reserved.