What Burpee Seeds Are and Where to Get Them

Burpee seeds are vegetable, herb, and flower seeds sold by W. Atlee Burpee & Co., a seed company founded in 1876. The company sells seeds through its website (burpee.com), through major retailers like Home Depot and Lowe's, and through local garden centers. You can also order from seed catalogs mailed to your home or downloaded as PDFs.

Burpee is one of the largest seed suppliers in North America, but it is not the only one — Johnny's Selected Seeds, Fedco Seeds, and local seed companies also sell vegetable and flower seeds. The choice between Burpee and another supplier often comes down to what varieties you want to grow, shipping cost, and whether you prefer to browse in person or order online.

Burpee seeds come in paper packets with planting instructions printed on the back. The packet tells you the plant name, days to maturity, depth to plant, spacing, and whether the variety is heirloom, hybrid, or open-pollinated. This information is the same whether you buy from Burpee directly or from a retailer that stocks Burpee packets.

Key Takeaways

  • Burpee seeds are sold in packets that include planting depth, spacing, and days to maturity on the back — read this before you plant.
  • Hybrid seeds (marked F1) produce vigorous plants but their seeds will not grow true to type if you save them for next year.
  • Open-pollinated and heirloom seeds can be saved and replanted, so you only buy them once if you want to keep the variety.
  • Burpee offers a germination may provide — if seeds do not sprout within the timeframe on the packet, you can request a replacement.
  • Starting seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date gives transplants time to grow strong before moving them outside.

Hybrid, Open-Pollinated, and Heirloom Seeds: What the Labels Mean

Burpee packets use three main labels to describe how seeds were bred. Hybrid seeds (often marked F1) are the result of crossing two different parent plants. Hybrids grow vigorously, often produce larger yields, and may resist disease better than other types. The trade-off is that seeds saved from a hybrid plant will not produce plants identical to the parent — they will revert to traits from the original parent plants, which may be weaker or less productive.

Open-pollinated seeds come from plants that were pollinated by insects, wind, or hand without human control of which plants bred together. These seeds will grow true to type — a plant grown from an open-pollinated seed will produce seeds that grow into plants that look and taste the same. You can save seeds from open-pollinated plants and replant them year after year.

Heirloom seeds are open-pollinated varieties that have been grown for at least 50 years, often much longer. They are prized by gardeners who want to preserve old varieties or who prefer the flavor of older tomato or pepper types. Heirloom seeds cost more than hybrid or standard open-pollinated seeds, but you only need to buy them once if you save seeds.

Reading the Packet: Planting Depth, Spacing, and Days to Maturity

Every Burpee packet includes the same core information on the back. Days to maturity tells you how many days from planting (or transplanting, for seedlings started indoors) until you can harvest. A tomato marked "70 days" will be ready to pick about 70 days after you move the seedling into the garden, not from the day you planted the seed indoors.

Planting depth is printed as a range — for example, "plant 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep." This matters because seeds planted too deep may not have enough energy to push through the soil, and seeds planted too shallow may dry out. Use the depth range on your packet, not a guess.

Spacing tells you how far apart to plant seeds or seedlings. Crowded plants compete for water and nutrients, and poor air circulation can lead to mold and disease. If the packet says "space 12 inches apart," thin seedlings to that distance once they have two true leaves (the second set of leaves that appear, which look like the adult plant's leaves).

The packet also lists your hardiness zone or the regions where the variety grows best. This is not a hard rule — many gardeners in cooler zones grow warm-season crops by starting seeds indoors earlier — but it is a useful guide for timing.

Starting Seeds Indoors Versus Direct Seeding Outdoors

Some seeds are started indoors in trays or pots under grow lights or on a sunny windowsill, then transplanted into the garden once they are large enough. Other seeds are planted directly into the garden soil where they will grow. The packet tells you which method works best for that variety.

Warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants are almost always started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost date. This gives the seedlings time to develop strong roots and several sets of leaves before they face outdoor conditions. Cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, and peas are often direct-seeded because they germinate quickly in cool soil and do not need a head start.

If you start seeds indoors, you will need seed-starting mix (a sterile, lightweight soil blend), containers with drainage holes, and a light source. A sunny south-facing window works if you have one; otherwise, a basic shop light with a standard bulb hung 2 to 3 inches above the seedlings will do. Water seedlings from below by setting the tray in a shallow pan of water and letting the soil wick moisture up, rather than watering from above, which can encourage mold.

The Burpee Germination may provide and What to Do If Seeds Do Not Sprout

Burpee offers a germination may provide on its seeds. If seeds do not sprout within the number of days listed on the packet under normal conditions, you can contact Burpee and request a replacement packet at no charge. This may provide applies to seeds you buy directly from Burpee or from authorized retailers.

To use the may provide, keep your seed packet and note the date you planted. If seeds do not sprout by the date on the packet, take a photo of the packet and the planting area if possible, then contact Burpee through its website or by phone. You will need to provide proof of purchase (a receipt or order number) and describe the planting conditions — soil temperature, moisture, and light. Burpee will send a replacement packet, though shipping may take 1 to 2 weeks.

Seeds that do not sprout are usually the result of soil that was too cold, too wet, or too dry, or of seeds planted at the wrong depth. Before you assume the seeds are bad, check the packet instructions and your planting conditions. Tomato seeds, for example, need soil at least 70°F to germinate; if your indoor space is cooler, they may sit dormant for weeks.

Storing Seeds and Extending Their Lifespan

Burpee seeds are packaged to last one growing season under normal storage conditions. If you have leftover seeds, you can store them for future years by keeping them in a cool, dry place. A sealed container in a refrigerator or freezer extends seed life significantly — many vegetable seeds remain viable for 3 to 5 years when stored this way.

Before storing seeds, make sure they are completely dry. If you opened a packet and used only some seeds, fold the packet closed or transfer the remaining seeds to a small envelope or jar. Label it with the variety name and the year you bought it. Store in an airtight container with a packet of silica gel or uncooked rice to absorb moisture.

Seeds stored in a warm, humid environment (like a garage or shed) lose viability much faster. A basement or refrigerator is ideal. If you are unsure whether old seeds are still viable, you can do a germination test: place 10 seeds on a damp paper towel, roll it up, place it in a plastic bag, and keep it warm for the number of days listed on the packet. If at least 7 out of 10 seeds sprout, the batch is still worth planting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I save seeds from Burpee hybrid plants?

You can save seeds from hybrid plants, but they will not grow true to type. The seedlings will be different from the parent plant — they may be smaller, less productive, or have different colors or flavors. If you want to save seeds year after year, choose open-pollinated or heirloom varieties instead.

What is the difference between a seed packet and a seed tape?

A seed packet holds loose seeds. A seed tape is a biodegradable strip with seeds already spaced and embedded in it — you unroll it in a furrow, cover it with soil, and water. Seed tapes cost more but save time and reduce thinning. Burpee sells both formats for many varieties.

Do I need to harden off seedlings before planting them outside?

Yes. Seedlings started indoors are tender and will wilt or die if moved directly into outdoor sun and wind. About a week before planting, place seedlings outside in a sheltered spot for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the time over 7 to 10 days. This hardens them so they can handle outdoor conditions.

What does "days to maturity" mean if I start seeds indoors?

Days to maturity is counted from the day you transplant the seedling into the garden, not from the day you planted the seed indoors. If a tomato is marked "70 days" and you transplant it on May 15, you can expect ripe fruit around July 24.

Are Burpee seeds organic?

Burpee sells both conventional and organic seeds. Organic seeds are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers and are labeled as such on the packet. Organic seeds cost more than conventional seeds but are required if you are growing for organic certification.