Questions About Ordering

Do you ship year-round?
Yes, we ship seeds and supplies year-round. Live plants and bulbs typically ship in the spring, based on your location.

Do you ship internationally?
Sorry, we do not ship internationally.

More questions about shipping?
View our shipping page.

Do you charge tax?
Sales tax is charged on all orders shipping to a state where we have sales tax nexus.  As of 7/1/2021, this includes all states with the exception of AK, DE, KS, MO, MT, NH, NM and OR.  Sales tax will be charged on all purchases within those states unless we have your resale or tax-exempt certificate on file.  If you are tax exempt, please include your resale or tax-exempt certificate with your initial order. For more information on tax exemption click here.

Do you offer credit terms?
Yes! We offer ship now-pay later options. Read about our credit terms for more information.

Do you offer discounts?
Yes! We offer discounts based on your order value and payment method. View our discount program.

Do you offer any sales or money-saving specials?
Yes! Join our e-mail list to receive our email offers and special promotions. Also check out our Sale section.

How do I unsubscribe from Harris Seeds promotional e-mails?
Click on the unsubscribe link found at the end of any of the e-mails you've received from us.

Do you accept coupons and discounts listed on coupons sites?
Harris Seeds has no affiliation with coupon sites. Offers and discounts submitted by users on those sites may not be valid, and the discounts may only be referring to specific products for a specific time-frame.

Can you ship Cash-on-Delivery?
Sorry, because of the extra expense and problems with delivery, Cash-on-Delivery (COD) orders are not accepted.

Do you have any garden stores?
No. We are a mail-order company and our Paul Road facility is a warehouse, not a retail store. However you may pick up orders at our facility.

Why can't you ship live transplants to certain states?
These state have regulations that prevent the importing of live plants into the state.

Why is there a queue when I call a Customer Care representative?
Our peak months are January - May, with peak days being Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Calls are routed to our customer support team in the order in which they are received, however during peak times there may be an extended wait.  To avoid wait times, we recommend that you try our self-serve options to answer your shipping/order related questions, as well as visit our website for product updates.  Items on backorder will ship as soon as they are available; backorder status is updated daily on the product pages on our website. 

What are the special instructions for ordering watermelon and cantaloupe?
Due to the potential liability of Watermelon Fruit Blotch (WFB) and Gummy Stem Blight (GSB) diseases with watermelon and cantaloupe seed, we require that a disclaimer form is signed and returned to us for all purchases of 1/4 lb. or 500 seeds or more of seeded varieties and for all purchases of seedless varieties, pollinators and Rogers® Brand cantaloupes.

Questions About Tax Exempt Forms

Q: My state is currently listed as a state where you are not collecting sales tax. Do I still need to submit my form?
A: We’re asking all customers who qualify for an exemption to submit an exemption form as state regulations are changing rapidly. This is a serious concern for us and we want to ensure that we are only collecting sales tax where required. Find tax exempt forms here. 

Q: I do not see a form listed for my state on your website. Does this mean I do not need to submit a form?
A: We are putting up forms for the states that we are required to collect sales tax in as we register in each state but we have linked to your states website where the form can be found. We’re asking all customers for an exemption form as state regulations seem to be changing constantly. This is a serious concern for us and we want to ensure that we are only collecting sales tax where required.

Q: How do I know if I qualify for sales tax exemption?
A: We apologize; however, our lawyers have warned us against advising anyone on their individual tax statuses. If you have an accountant or attorney they should easily be able to help you with this.

Q: I am tax exempt. Where do I submit my form to ensure you are not collecting sales tax on my purchases?
A:        Fax: 877.892.9197
            Email: salestaxexempt@harrisseeds.com
            Mail:    Attn: Credit Dept
                        Harris Seeds
                        P.O. Box 24966
                        355 Paul Rd
                        Rochester, NY 14624

Q: I am tax exempt. How often do you require me to submit my exemption form?
A: Once per year

Shipping & Handling

Please see our Shipping & Handling page.

Questions About Submitted Orders

How can I check if my order went through?
If your order was successfully submitted, an e-mail confirmation should have been sent to you at the time of ordering. In some cases, the e-mail may have gone to your spam folder or been blocked by your e-mail provider. To check if your order went through, you can login to our website, and check for your latest order.

How can I track my order?
By providing your email address you will receive an email when your order ships including tracking information, if available.

What is your return policy?
All seed sales are final. We will no longer accept returns or exchanges unless product is damaged in transit or if the incorrect item was shipped. Growing supplies can be returned within 90 days of purchase. Item must be in saleable condition. A restocking fee may apply. Approved returns must be accompanied by a Return Authorization number (RMA), which can be obtained by calling us at 800.544.7938. Plug/Liner & Live Goods orders are non-returnable. Plug/Liner Claims and Live Goods Claims must be made within 24 hours of receiving shipment.

Questions About Products and Growing

Who should I contact if I have growing questions, disease or insect identifications needs, or have other educational requirements? 
Harris Seeds strongly encourages you to get in touch with Cooperative Extension in your state. Cooperative Extension is associated with your state’s Land Grant University. Find your state's Cooperate Extension here.

What are the differences between treated, untreated, organic and other types of seed?

• Raw - Seed in its “raw” form, comes in from the parent plant, is clean and has not been treated using any chemical, biological, or physical method.
• Treated - Seed has been treated in an appropriate manner to protect it from specific seed- or soil-borne pathogens and thus improve its performance. The treatment may be hot water, chemical, or biological, depending on the pathogen involved. Treatment is applied under controlled conditions, in a commonly recognized fashion, at the manufacturer’s recommended rate. More info ->
• Standard treated seed is treated using one of several industry-standard methods, which may use chemical, biological, or hot water processes.
• Insect Guard treated corn seed is treated with Cruiser, a protectant with numerous benefits.
  1. Protects against flea beetles up to the five true-leaf (V5) stage, lessening transmission of Stewart’s Bacterial Wilt.
  2. Minimizes stand loss due to wireworm, seed corn maggot, and other secondary pest damage.
  3. Provides contact and systemic protection.
  4. Pre-treated seed provides efficient and easy-to-use seedling protection against insect pests. Please note, does not protect against corn borer or earworm.
• FarMore® treated pumpkin, squash, and melon seed provides broad-spectrum protection against soil-borne disease, as well as early season protection against striped cucumber beetles.
• Untreated - Seed is clean and has not been treated using any chemical, biological, or physical method. Seed crop was not grown under Certified Organic Conditions. Certified Organic Growers: Untreated seed may be allowed in Certified Organic production, provided that a comparable variety is not available in Certified Organic seed. Check with your certifying agency for approval. Pellet ingredients for pelleted untreated seed (product numbers ending in 11-02) are not approved for use in Certified Organic production.
• Organic - Seed is clean and untreated, and it was grown under Certified Organic conditions. Allowed for use in Certified Organic production. Pellet ingredients for pelleted organic seed (product numbers ending in 11-03) are NOP approved for use in Certified Organic production.
• Filmcoat - Seed has been coated with an inert, food-grade material for easier handling and flowability. When treated seed is filmcoated, the filmcoat helps the treatment adhere to the seed. Certified Organic Growers: Filmcoat ingredients are not OMRI Listed.
• Pelleted - Seed has been coated with an inert material in order to increase the seed size for easier planting. Certified Organic Growers: Pellet ingredients are not OMRI Listed. Pellet ingredients for pelleted untreated seed (product numbers ending in 11-02) are not approved for use in Certified Organic production. Pellet ingredients for pelleted organic seed (product numbers ending in 11-03) are NOP approved for use in Certified Organic production.
• Multi-Pelleted - The pellet contains more than one seed. One pellet will create multiple plants.
• Primed - Seed has been primed for easier germination, through a physical processes like steam treatment or through chemical treatment. Certified Organic Growers: Priming processes vary by seed type and supplier. Contact us for more information, and check with your certifier for guidance on using primed seed.
• Detailed - Fibrous “tails” have been removed from seeds for easier handling and flowability. This may be achieved through either a physical or chemical process. Certified Organic Growers: Detailing processes vary by seed type and supplier. Contact us for more information, and check with your certifier for guidance on using detailed seed.

What are plugs & liners?
Plugs are young plants, usually grown from seed. Liners are young plants, usually grown from cuttings or tissue culture. See our Plug & Liner FAQ page.

How many seeds in a pound, for those seeds that are sold by weight? 
This varies with different items. See each species page for weight to seed count conversion.

How many seeds does it take to plant an acre? 
You can calculate your population per acre by taking 6,272,640 (number of square inches in an acre) and dividing by the number of inches between the rows (36), then dividing again by the number of inches within the row (9). 6,272,640 ÷ 36 = 174,240 and 174,240 ÷ 9 = 19,360 seeds per acre.

Can I store seeds and how should I store them?
Seed can be used over multiple years if it is stored properly. The expected longevity of the seed depends on the seed type and treatment. For large seed (corn, beans, peas) germination tends to hold steady for about 3 years, while smaller seed types can be longer. After a few years of storage you may begin to see a decline in germination and seedling vigor.

To store seeds properly, put the seeds in a plastic or metal container along with a silica gel pack to help absorb any moisture. Store the container in a cool, dry area of your home. Do not store in a refrigerator, due to the high moisture environment they create.

Can I harvest and save seeds from my grown plants?
Harvesting and saving seeds from your plants is something some gardeners may do. The harvested seed will likely grow, however you should be aware that the plant characteristics could potentially be different than what you enjoyed the first season. These characteristics may include the following: plant habit, plant vigor, yield, uniformity of plants, bloom type and bloom color, fruit quality and appearance. If you are looking for the same qualities you had the first season, we highly recommend purchasing new seed each season. The vendors we work with adhere to many checks and balances helping to provide the highest quality seed and very specific characteristics that customers expect, such as high quality germination, purity and disease-free seed.

My seed package was left outside in freezing temperatures. Will my seed be damaged?
As long as the seed did not get wet, the freezing temperatures will not hurt the seed.

Can I start my seeds in a window?
Although some have been successful, it is risky to use this technique due to light and temperature issues. Seedlings on a window sill will stretch and grow unevenly. For best germination, it is important to provide even lighting directly above the seedling tray. The use of a light stand is recommended. Uneven and fluctuating air temperatures can also cause poor and uneven germination. Providing even warmth in the soil can be accomplished by using heat mats or cables for bottom heat.

The seed packet states either light (L) or dark (D) is needed. What does this mean?
If your packet specifies light (L) for germination, you can still cover your seed very lightly with some vermiculite to help with moisture retention, but make sure that enough light shows through to the seed to initiate germination. Other species of seed germinate better in a dark (D) environment, with little to no light. In those cases, using a coarse vermiculate or a good seed starting mix to cover your seedling trays not only helps to exclude light, it also helps retain moisture.

What does the number of days listed for a variety mean? (ex. Gladiator Pumpkin…115 Days)
For species that are normally direct seeded such as vine crops, sweet corn, peas and beans, the maturity is figured from the time the seed is planted in the garden or field. For species that are normally started as a seedling first and then transplanted such as tomatoes, peppers and eggplant, the maturity is figured from the time the seedlings are transplanted to the garden or field. Note: the number of days is figured for our growing conditions here in NY. The farther south you are, the quicker varieties will mature due to a higher number of heat units.

Why do some varieties become back ordered or out of stock?
Just as you have to work with nature in producing a crop of vegetables or flowers, our seed suppliers have to work with nature to produce a crop of viable seeds. Sometimes there's just not enough seed from a given crop to meet the demand. Harris sells only seeds that meet the highest criteria. We place multiple orders for seed throughout the growing year. At times you may have to wait for a fresh seed crop to be harvested before we can provide the seed to you. Sometimes there is an unprecedented demand for varieties that address disease or climactic conditions. In those cases, demand may simply exceed supply. Our suggestion for ensuring that you receive the varieties that you prefer: order as soon as possible after you receive our catalogs.

Why has Harris Seeds stopped carrying my favorite variety (vegetable or flower)?
Unfortunately, each year our suppliers discontinue producing varieties that have been staples with our customers for many years. Breeding programs are producing new products at an unbelievable rate now and many older varieties are being replaced by the newer ones. Please call anytime you no longer see a favorite variety listed. We will be happy to recommend a suitable substitute.