rareseeds.com

Overview of RareSeeds (also known as Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company)

The website RareSeeds.com is the online storefront and information hub for Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company. Their specialty: heirloom, open‐pollinated, non‐GMO seeds of vegetables, herbs and flowers. (rareseeds.com)
Here are key things you should know about them:

Mission & Values

  • Their stated mission: “provide a sustainable, heirloom seed supply for everyone…and preserve seed diversity and food security for future generations.” (rareseeds.com)

  • They emphasize: large selection of rare and heritage seed varieties, many not found in typical seed catalogs. (rareseeds.com)

  • They support the idea of seed sovereignty, non-GMO gardening, and preserving varieties at risk of being lost. (gardenbetty.com)

What They Offer

  • On RareSeeds.com you’ll find seeds for vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Their product pages describe varieties and include growing information. (rareseeds.com)

  • They claim one of the largest collections of heirloom seeds in the U.S. (themarthablog.com)

  • They ship seeds and operate a catalog/catalog-style business.

Pause for Strengths & Considerations

Strengths:

  • For gardeners interested in unusual or rare plant varieties, RareSeeds is a strong option. Because they focus on heirlooms and unusual stuff, you’ll find things you likely won’t find elsewhere.

  • They are transparent about their mission and the value of preserving seed diversity.

  • According to some user feedback, they have strong germination and seed quality. (Facebook)

Considerations:

  • Heirloom seeds often require more attention than common hybrid varieties. Some may have lower yields or specific growing needs.

  • Because rare seeds by definition may have smaller seed lots, popular items can sell out.

  • Shipping internationally (if you’re outside the U.S.) may involve higher cost, customs, or other complications—worth checking details on the website.

Why it’s notable

  • The company doesn’t just sell seeds, they partner in a broader movement of preserving heritage agriculture. For example, they support small‐scale farmers, travel to source seeds, maintain large trial gardens. (gardenbetty.com)

  • They contribute to food-security and biodiversity goals via their business model of keeping open-pollinated varieties in circulation.

  • If you’re into gardening as more than just growing produce—like preserving traditions, exploring flavor diversity, working with unusual crops—this aligns well.

Tips if you want to shop/use RareSeeds

  • Plan early: Rare or special varieties may sell out faster than mainstream seeds.

  • Read the variety descriptions: Heirloom seeds may require specific conditions (soil, light, climate) to perform well.

  • Consider your local climate: Some heirlooms originate in very different environments; they may need adaptation or special care.

  • Ask about shipping to your region: Since you’re in Indonesia (for example), check whether they ship internationally, what customs/plant import regulations apply.

  • Store seeds well once they arrive: Keep seeds cool, dry, dark so they remain viable. (One reference from their team mentioned using freezer storage for long‐term viability.) (The Spruce)

Summary

RareSeeds.com is a specialized seed provider focusing on heirloom, open-pollinated, non-GMO seeds with a strong mission around preserving seed diversity. If you’re a gardener who values unusual varieties and is comfortable with maybe more hands-on growing, it’s a solid choice. On the other hand, if you’re just looking for the most straightforward high-yield, low-maintenance seeds, mainstream seed companies may offer easier options.

Key Takeaways

  • RareSeeds (Baker Creek) emphasizes heritage seed varieties and seed diversity.

  • They offer a very wide selection of unusual/open-pollinated seeds—flowers, veggies, herbs.

  • Their mission is aligned with food security, biodiversity, non-GMO gardening.

  • Shopping there works especially if you are comfortable with heirloom gardening and possibly more complexity.

  • Always check shipping and local import regulations if outside the U.S.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Are their seeds non-GMO?
Yes—the company markets itself as providing “pure, non-GMO heirloom seeds.” (rareseeds.com)

Q. What does “heirloom” mean in this context?
In their usage: open-pollinated varieties that have been passed down, often older cultivars, not hybrids. Heirloom implies you can save seed and have plants similar to parents (although variability may still exist). Note that “heirloom” isn’t strictly defined across all companies but this is their framing.

Q. Can I save seeds from their varieties to grow next year?
Yes—since they are open‐pollinated heirloom varieties, seed saving is more feasible than with hybrids. But you still need to ensure plants are isolated properly (to avoid cross-pollination) and maintain good seed-saving practices.

Q. Will their seeds grow well in all regions?
Not necessarily. Some varieties may originate from climates different from yours. Growing success depends on matching the variety’s requirements (soil, temperature, day length, pests) to your local conditions.

Q. Do they ship internationally?
The website likely handles shipping but you should check their shipping policy for your country, and check your country’s plant import/seed import regulations.

Q. Are heirloom seeds harder to grow?
They can be. Some heirlooms are more finicky than modern hybrids which are bred for ease, high yield and uniformity. That said, many gardeners prefer heirlooms for flavor, uniqueness, and seed-saving ability.

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