As a passionate gardener, there’s nothing quite like the joy of growing your own tomatoes. From the moment those first vibrant green shoots emerge to the day you harvest those juicy, ripe fruits, it’s an experience that never fails to excite. But before you can embark on that rewarding journey, you need to start with the right seeds. And in today’s digital age, finding the perfect tomato seeds is just a few clicks away.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a budding enthusiast, the world of online seed shopping offers a treasure trove of options. From rare heirloom varieties to reliable hybrids, the choices are endless. But with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s why I’ve curated a list of the seven best places to buy tomato seeds online, each offering its own unique selection and specialties.
So, let’s dive in and explore these virtual gardening havens, where you can find the perfect seeds to cultivate your very own tomato paradise.
| Seed Source | Specialty | Notable Varieties | Additional Information | Estimated Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds | Heirloom varieties with rich backstories | Cherokee Purple, Black Krim | Over 100 heirloom tomato varieties available | $2 – $5 per packet |
| Brandywine, Tie-Dye Dwarf | Reliable seed seller with beautifully illustrated seed packets | Indigo Rose cherry tomato | Continuously adds new varieties | $2 – $4 per packet |
| Totally Tomatoes | Huge selection of heirloom and hybrid tomato seeds | Big Zac hybrid, AAS winners like Red Torch | User-friendly categorization system | $2 – $6 per packet |
| Seed Savers Exchange | Preserving and sharing heirloom seed diversity | Brandywine, Green Zebra | Offers cultivars with decades or centuries of history | $3 – $5 per packet |
| Fruition Seeds | Unique and rare tomato varieties | A small but exceptional selection | Small but exceptional selection | $4 – $8 per packet |
| Tomato Fest | Rare and experimental tomato varieties | TastyWine dwarf tomato | Specializes in dwarf varieties and limited-time offerings | $3 – $7 per packet |
| High Mowing Organic Seeds | Wide range of vegetables, flowers, herbs | Pink Boar tomato | Caters to commercial growers and home gardeners | $2 – $6 per packet |
1. Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
If you’re a lover of all things heirloom, then Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds is a must-visit destination. This family-owned business is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of heirloom seeds, many of which have been passed down through generations.
Their tomato seed selection is nothing short of impressive, boasting well over 100 varieties to choose from. From striped cherry tomatoes to massive beefsteaks, you’ll find a kaleidoscope of colors, shapes, and flavors that will delight your senses.
One of my personal favorites is the ‘Cherokee Purple tomato, a true gem with its stunning deep purple hue and deliciously rich, wine-like flavor. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try the ‘Black Krim’ variety? Its dark, almost black exterior gives way to a vibrant red interior, offering a unique and captivating contrast.
2. Botanical Interests
Reliability and beauty go hand in hand at Botanical Interests, a seed seller that has consistently impressed me with its offerings. Not only do they continuously add new and exciting varieties to their lineup, but their seed packets are also a true work of art.
Each packet features a stunning, hand-drawn illustration of the respective variety, accompanied by helpful sowing information. It’s like having a miniature botanical garden right in your hands.
One variety that has captured my heart is the ‘Indigo Rose’ cherry tomato. This purple vine variety is packed with anthocyanin, giving its fruits a deep, captivating hue that adds a pop of color to any garden or dish.
3. Totally Tomatoes
As the name suggests, Totally Tomatoes is a veritable paradise for tomato enthusiasts. With a truly staggering selection of both heirloom and hybrid tomato seeds, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
But what sets this site apart is its user-friendly categorization system. Whether you’re looking for late blight-resistant varieties, specific colors, or even AAS (All-America Selections) winners like the ‘Red Torch’ tomato, you’ll find it all neatly organized for your convenience.
One variety that caught my eye is the ‘Big Zac’ hybrid tomato. This robust plant produces an abundance of large, flavorful fruits that are perfect for slicing and enjoying on their own or in salads and sandwiches.
4. Seed Savers Exchange
Seed Savers Exchange is more than just a seed company; it’s a mission-driven organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich diversity of heirloom seeds. Many of the cultivars they offer have decades or even centuries of history behind them, making them living treasures of our agricultural heritage.
As you browse their extensive tomato seed selection, you’ll be transported through a world of flavors and stories. From the ‘Brandywine’ tomato, a classic Amish heirloom known for its rich, almost smoky flavor, to the ‘Green Zebra’ variety, with its unique green stripes and zingy taste, each seed holds a piece of history waiting to be cultivated.
5. Fruition Seeds
Fruition Seeds may not boast the largest selection, but what they lack in quantity, they more than makeup for in quality and uniqueness. This is the place to find truly exceptional and rare tomato varieties that are sure to impress even the most discerning gardeners.
One variety that has captured my imagination is the ‘Brandywine’ tomato, a stunning creation that combines the best traits of two beloved heirlooms: the ‘Brandywine’ and the ‘Wis’ tomatoes. The result is a large, deeply ribbed fruit with a complex, rich flavor that will make your taste buds sing.
Another standout is the ‘Tie-Dye Dwarf’ tomato, a compact plant that grows just 3 feet tall but produces an abundance of large, purple-striped fruits with a delightful taste.
6. Tomato Fest
If you’re the type of gardener who loves to experiment and grow truly unique and rare tomato varieties, then Tomato Fest is your ultimate destination. As the self-proclaimed “tomato lover’s paradise,” this site offers a mind-boggling selection of tomatoes that will delight even the most seasoned enthusiasts.
One of their specialties is dwarf varieties, perfect for those with limited garden space. The ‘TastyWine’ tomato, for instance, grows just 3 feet tall but produces large, pink beefsteak fruits with a delightful flavor reminiscent of a fine wine.
But what really sets Tomato Fest apart is its commitment to offering rare and experimental cultivars that are often discontinued after a certain period. So, if you’re looking to grow something truly unique and potentially fleeting, this is the place to explore.
7. High Mowing Organic Seeds
If you’re planning to start a farm or have a large-scale gardening operation, High Mowing Organic Seeds is a haven of possibilities. With an extensive selection of vegetables, flowers, herbs, and more, they cater to a wide range of gardening needs.
But their tomato selection alone is impressive, ranging from F1 hybrids to beloved heirloom classics. One variety that caught my eye is the ‘Pink Boar’ tomato, a visually stunning and uniquely shaped fruit with a delightful pink hue and a delicious, well-balanced flavor.
Whether you’re a commercial grower or a dedicated home gardener, High Mowing Organic Seeds has something to offer for every scale of operation.
Conclusion
From heirloom gems to disease-resistant hybrids, the world of online tomato seed shopping is a veritable cornucopia of possibilities. Each of the seven sources mentioned here offers its own unique strengths and specialties, catering to different tastes and gardening needs.
As you embark on your tomato-growing journey, remember to embrace the joy of experimentation and discovery. Try new varieties, explore different flavors, and cherish the experience of nurturing these beautiful plants from seed to harvest.
And if you have a favorite tomato seed source that didn’t make this list, please share it below! The world of gardening is one of community and camaraderie, and we’re always eager to learn from one another’s experiences.
Happy gardening, and may your tomato harvests be bountiful and bursting with flavor!
