What Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds is and how to order
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds is a seed company based in Mansfield, Missouri, that sells vegetable, herb, and flower seeds by mail and online. You can browse their catalog on their website, place an order, and have seeds shipped to your address. They do not sell seedlings or plants — only seeds. Most orders arrive within one to two weeks of placement.
The company specializes in heirloom and open-pollinated varieties, meaning the seeds will produce plants that breed true to type if you save seeds from your harvest. This is different from hybrid seeds, which produce offspring that may look or taste different from the parent plant. Baker Creek also carries some non-GMO hybrid seeds and a smaller selection of modern varieties.
You can order through their website at rareseeds.com, by phone, or by mail. First-time orders typically require you to create an account with a shipping address and payment method. Shipping costs vary by order weight and destination, and they offer both standard and expedited options.
Key Takeaways
- Baker Creek sells only seeds, not plants or seedlings, and specializes in heirloom and open-pollinated varieties that will breed true if you save seeds from your harvest.
- You can order online, by phone, or by mail, and most orders ship within a few business days and arrive within one to two weeks.
- Their free printed catalog arrives by mail and includes detailed growing information, days to maturity, and seed count for each variety.
- Seed packets are priced individually, and you can order as few or as many varieties as you want in a single order.
- Baker Creek offers a money-back may provide on seed viability, meaning you can contact them if seeds do not germinate as expected.
How to read a Baker Creek seed packet
Each Baker Creek seed packet includes specific information you will need before planting. The front of the packet shows the plant name, a photograph or illustration, and the seed count — the number of seeds inside. The back includes planting depth, spacing between plants, days to maturity (how long from planting to harvest), and whether the variety prefers full sun or partial shade.
The packet also notes the plant's origin or history — for example, "Italian heirloom from the 1800s" — and often includes a brief description of flavor or appearance. If the variety is open-pollinated, this will be stated on the packet. If it is a hybrid, that will be noted as well. Some packets include information about seed saving: whether the plant will cross-pollinate with related varieties growing nearby, and whether you can save seeds for next year's planting.
Baker Creek packets do not include a may provide germination percentage, but they do state that seeds are tested for viability before shipping. If you plant seeds according to the packet instructions and they do not sprout, you can contact Baker Creek with proof of purchase and they will replace them or refund your money.
Getting the free printed catalog
Baker Creek publishes a printed catalog each year that arrives by mail. You can request one on their website or by calling their customer service line. The catalog is free and includes photographs, detailed descriptions, and growing tips for hundreds of varieties. Many gardeners use the printed catalog to plan their garden layout and decide which seeds to order before the growing season begins.
The catalog typically arrives in late winter or early spring, which is when most gardeners in the United States begin planning their gardens. If you order seeds online or by phone, Baker Creek will often include a current catalog in your shipment. You can also view a digital version of the catalog on their website.
Pricing and what affects seed cost
Baker Creek seed packets are priced individually, and prices vary by variety and seed count. A packet of common vegetables like tomatoes or beans typically costs between $2 and $4. Rarer heirloom varieties or packets with fewer seeds may cost more. Herb and flower seeds are usually priced similarly to vegetables.
The total cost of your order depends on how many packets you buy, the shipping method you choose, and your location. There is no minimum order size — you can order a single packet if you wish. Baker Creek occasionally runs sales or offers discounts on bulk orders, which are announced on their website and in their printed catalog.
Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on package weight and destination. Orders to addresses within the United States typically cost between $3 and $10 to ship, depending on the number of packets. International shipping is available but costs more and takes longer.
Heirloom seeds versus hybrid seeds: what the difference means for your garden
An heirloom seed produces a plant that will breed true — meaning if you let the plant flower and go to seed, collect those seeds, and plant them next year, they will grow into plants that look and taste like the parent plant. This is because heirloom varieties are open-pollinated, meaning they pollinate naturally through wind, insects, or self-pollination. Baker Creek's heirloom tomatoes, peppers, and beans are all open-pollinated.
A hybrid seed is created by crossing two different parent plants to produce offspring with specific traits — perhaps a tomato that is larger, more disease-resistant, or ripens faster. If you save seeds from a hybrid plant and grow them the next year, the new plants will not be identical to the parent. They may be smaller, taste different, or have other unexpected traits. Hybrid seeds must be purchased new each year.
For a home gardener, the choice depends on your goals. If you want to save seeds year to year and reduce your seed costs, heirloom and open-pollinated varieties from Baker Creek are a good choice. If you want specific traits like disease resistance or uniform ripening, or if you do not plan to save seeds, hybrid varieties may suit you better. Baker Creek carries both, so you can mix them in a single order.
How to place an order and what to expect
To order online, visit rareseeds.com, browse the catalog by plant type or search by name, and add packets to your cart. You can view the full packet information — including the photograph, description, and growing details — before adding to cart. Once you have selected all your seeds, proceed to checkout, enter your shipping address and payment method, and choose your shipping speed.
Baker Creek accepts credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. Once your order is placed, you will receive a confirmation email with your order number and tracking information. Most orders ship within two to three business days. You can track your package through the carrier's website using the tracking number provided.
If you prefer to order by phone, you can call Baker Creek's customer service line during business hours. A representative can help you find specific varieties, answer questions about growing conditions, and process your payment over the phone. If you order by mail, you can print an order form from their website, fill it out by hand, and mail it with a check or money order to their Mansfield address.
Storing seeds and keeping them viable year to year
Seeds remain viable longest when stored in a cool, dry place. The ideal temperature is between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and humidity should be low. A refrigerator or freezer works well for long-term storage. Keep seeds in their original packets or in airtight containers, and store them away from direct sunlight.
Most vegetable seeds remain viable for three to five years if stored properly, though some varieties last longer and others shorter. Onion and parsnip seeds, for example, lose viability quickly and are best used within one to two years. Tomato and bean seeds often remain viable for five years or more. Baker Creek's website includes storage information for many varieties.
If you are unsure whether old seeds will germinate, you can perform a straightforward germination test before planting your whole garden. Place a few seeds on a damp paper towel, roll it up, place it in a plastic bag, and keep it warm and moist for a week or two. Count how many seeds sprout. If most of them do, the batch is still good. If few or none sprout, order fresh seeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I save seeds from Baker Creek plants and plant them next year?
Yes, if you buy heirloom or open-pollinated seeds from Baker Creek. The packet will tell you whether the variety is open-pollinated. If you grow hybrid seeds, the plants may not produce seeds that grow true to type, so you would need to buy new seeds each year. Some open-pollinated varieties will cross-pollinate with related plants growing nearby, so the packet may warn you about this if it matters for your garden.
What if my seeds don't sprout?
Contact Baker Creek with your order number and a description of what happened. They will replace the seeds or refund your money. Keep your seed packet and your order confirmation so you have proof of purchase. Most seed companies, including Baker Creek, stand behind their products this way.
Does Baker Creek ship internationally?
Yes, they ship to many countries outside the United States, though shipping costs are higher and delivery takes longer. Some countries have restrictions on importing seeds, so check your local regulations before ordering. Baker Creek's website will show you whether they can ship to your address during checkout.
How do I know which varieties will grow in my climate?
Baker Creek's website and printed catalog include growing information for each variety, including days to maturity and whether the plant prefers cool or warm weather. You can also search by hardiness zone or growing season length. If you are unsure, call their customer service line — representatives can recommend varieties suited to your region.
Are Baker Creek seeds organic?
Baker Creek does not label all their seeds as organic, but they do carry a selection of certified organic seeds, which are clearly marked on the website and in the catalog. Most of their heirloom varieties are grown without synthetic pesticides, though not all are certified. If organic certification matters for your garden, filter by that option on their website.