Johnny's Selected Seeds is a Maine-based seed company that sells vegetable, herb, flower, and cover crop seeds primarily to farmers and gardeners

Johnny's Selected Seeds operates out of Albion, Maine, and has been selling seeds since 1973. They sell to both home gardeners and commercial growers — farmers who run market gardens, CSA operations, or larger vegetable farms. The company publishes a print catalog each year and maintains an online store where you can browse and order by mail, phone, or website.

Johnny's is known for testing seeds in Maine's growing conditions before listing them. They also sell seed-starting supplies, tools, and equipment alongside the seeds themselves. Their catalog includes detailed growing information for each variety, including days to maturity, spacing, and regional notes.

Key Takeaways

  • Johnny's Selected Seeds sells vegetable, herb, flower, and cover crop seeds through a print catalog and online store, with orders placed by mail, phone, or website.
  • The company tests varieties in Maine conditions and provides specific growing information for each seed type, including days to maturity and spacing requirements.
  • Minimum order amounts and shipping costs vary depending on whether you order online or by phone, and whether you are a home gardener or commercial grower.
  • Johnny's also sells seed-starting supplies, tools, and equipment, so you can source multiple items from one order.
  • The company publishes a free print catalog each year that includes photos, descriptions, and growing guides for each variety.

How to get the Johnny's catalog and browse varieties

You can request a free print catalog by visiting the Johnny's website or calling their customer service line. The catalog arrives by mail and includes photos, descriptions, days to maturity, and growing notes for each variety. Many gardeners and farmers keep the catalog on hand during planning season because the growing information is specific to northern climates.

If you prefer to browse online, the Johnny's website displays the full seed inventory with the same information as the print catalog. You can filter by crop type, days to maturity, or other characteristics. The website also includes video growing guides and detailed cultural information for many varieties.

Placing an order by mail, phone, or online

Johnny's accepts orders through three channels. Online orders go through their website and are processed when ready. Phone orders are taken during business hours — you call their customer service number and speak with someone who can answer questions about varieties and help you place an order. Mail orders use an order form from the catalog; you fill it out, include payment, and mail it to their address in Albion.

Shipping costs depend on your order total and location. Johnny's ships to all 50 states. Processing time is typically a few business days, and delivery time varies by distance and shipping method. If you are ordering seeds for spring planting, ordering by late winter gives you time to receive them before your planting window.

Minimum orders and pricing for home gardeners versus commercial growers

Johnny's does not have a strict minimum order for home gardeners ordering online or by mail. However, shipping costs may be higher relative to a small order total. Commercial growers and farmers who order larger quantities may have access to different pricing or bulk options — you can contact their sales team directly to discuss volume orders.

Seed prices vary by variety and packet size. Smaller packets for home gardeners cost less than bulk quantities. Johnny's also offers seed collections — pre-selected groups of varieties bundled together — which can be a way to try multiple crops at once.

What Johnny's sells beyond seeds

In addition to seeds, Johnny's sells seed-starting supplies including trays, soil blocks, heat mats, and grow lights. They also carry hand tools, row covers, drip irrigation supplies, and other equipment useful for vegetable gardening or farming. Many customers place one order that includes both seeds and supplies, which can reduce shipping costs compared to ordering from multiple sources.

Johnny's also publishes growing guides and educational materials on their website, including information about seed starting, transplanting, and pest management. These resources are free to read and do not require an account or purchase.

Seed storage and germination information

Johnny's provides germination rates and storage information for each seed variety on their website and in the catalog. Most vegetable seeds remain viable for one to three years if stored in a cool, dry place — a basement, garage, or refrigerator works well. Johnny's website includes specific storage recommendations for different crop types.

If you save seeds from one year to plant the next, Johnny's catalog notes which varieties are open-pollinated (meaning seeds from the plant will grow true to type) and which are hybrids (meaning seeds from the plant will not produce identical plants). This information helps you decide which varieties to save seed from.

Returning seeds and customer service

Johnny's has a return policy for seeds that fail to germinate or arrive damaged. You contact their customer service team with details about the problem — usually including information about how you stored the seeds and the conditions under which you planted them. The company will replace seeds or issue a refund depending on the situation and your preference.

Customer service is available by phone during business hours and by email through their website. Many questions about varieties, growing conditions, or ordering can be answered through their FAQ section or by contacting the team directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to order a certain amount to buy from Johnny's?

No minimum order is required for home gardeners ordering online or by mail. However, shipping costs may make very small orders expensive relative to the seed cost. Commercial growers ordering larger quantities can contact the sales team to discuss bulk pricing.

Can I order seeds for spring planting in January?

Yes. Johnny's accepts orders year-round. If you order in January for spring planting, allow time for processing and shipping — typically a few business days to a week depending on your location. Ordering by late winter ensures seeds arrive before your planting window.

What if seeds don't germinate or arrive damaged?

Contact Johnny's customer service with details about the problem, including how you stored the seeds and the conditions where you planted them. The company will replace the seeds or issue a refund based on the situation and your preference.

Are Johnny's seeds tested for northern climates?

Yes. Johnny's tests varieties in Maine growing conditions before listing them in the catalog. The company also provides regional growing notes for many varieties, so you can see how a seed performs in different climates and seasons.

Can I save seeds from Johnny's varieties to plant next year?

It depends on the variety. The catalog notes which varieties are open-pollinated (seeds will grow true to type) and which are hybrids (seeds will not produce identical plants). Open-pollinated varieties are suitable for seed saving; hybrid varieties are not.