The main places to buy tomato seeds

You can buy tomato seeds from garden centers, hardware stores with garden sections, seed catalogs, online retailers, and farmers markets. Each source has different varieties, prices, and shipping times, so the best choice depends on whether you want to browse in person, need seeds quickly, or are looking for heirloom or specialty varieties.

Local garden centers and nurseries usually stock 20 to 50 tomato varieties during spring planting season (February through May in most regions). Staff can answer questions about which varieties grow well in your area. Hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe's carry basic seed packets year-round, though selection is smaller—typically 8 to 15 varieties—and staff may have less tomato-specific knowledge.

Online seed companies and general retailers ship seeds anywhere, often with wider variety and lower prices than brick-and-mortar stores. Shipping takes 3 to 10 business days depending on the retailer and your location. Seed catalogs arrive by mail in winter and let you order for spring delivery.

Key Takeaways

  • Local garden centers offer the widest selection and informed information during spring, but online retailers often have lower prices and specialty varieties.
  • Hardware store seed sections are convenient for basic varieties but typically stock fewer options than specialized seed companies.
  • Seed catalogs arrive in winter and let you order months ahead, which is useful if you want rare heirloom varieties that sell out quickly.
  • Farmers markets sometimes sell seeds from local growers, though availability varies by season and location.
  • Check the seed packet date before buying—seeds older than one year have lower germination rates.

Garden centers and local nurseries

Garden centers are the easiest place to see seed packets in person and ask questions before buying. Most open their seed sections in late winter and stock heavily through spring. You can read the back of each packet to compare days to maturity, disease resistance, and plant size before deciding. Staff can tell you which varieties do well in your climate and soil type.

Prices at garden centers are usually higher than online—expect $2 to $4 per packet compared to $1 to $3 online—but you avoid shipping costs and can start when ready. Selection drops sharply after May, so buy early if you want specific varieties. Call ahead during late spring to ask if they still have stock of the variety you want.

Hardware stores and big-box retailers

Home Depot, Lowe's, and similar stores carry seed packets in their garden sections, usually from brands like Burpee, Ferry's, or store brands. Packets cost $1 to $3 and are available year-round, though selection is best from February through April. These retailers stock reliable, common varieties like 'Early Girl', 'Beefsteak', and 'Cherry' tomatoes, but rarely carry heirlooms or specialty types.

The advantage is convenience—you can pick up seeds while buying soil or pots—and no shipping wait. The disadvantage is limited choice and staff who may not know tomato varieties well. Check the packet date; seeds sitting on shelves for months have lower germination rates.

Online seed companies and retailers

Specialized seed companies like Burpee, Johnny's Selected Seeds, Territorial Seed Company, and Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds offer 100+ tomato varieties each, including rare heirlooms and disease-resistant types you will not find locally. Prices are competitive—often $1 to $2.50 per packet—and many offer bulk discounts or free shipping over a certain order amount.

General online retailers like Amazon carry seeds from multiple brands, though selection varies and you need to check seller ratings. Shipping takes 5 to 10 business days. Order by late March or early April if you want to plant in spring; popular varieties sell out by May. Most online companies may provide germination or offer replacements if seeds do not sprout.

Seed catalogs and mail order

Seed companies mail free catalogs in October and November. You can browse at home, read detailed descriptions of each variety, and order for spring delivery. Catalogs arrive with seeds in January or February, giving you time to plan before planting season. This method works well if you want to compare many varieties or order rare heirlooms that sell out quickly online.

Request catalogs by visiting company websites or calling their customer service lines. Shipping costs vary but are often waived on orders over $25 to $50. Seed packets from catalogs are usually fresher than retail packets because they are packed closer to the planting season.

Farmers markets and seed swaps

Some farmers markets sell seeds from local growers, especially in spring. These seeds are often from plants grown in your region, so they are adapted to your climate. Prices vary widely, and selection depends on what the vendor grows. You can ask growers directly about their varieties and get growing information.

Seed swaps—community events where gardeners trade seeds—are free or low-cost and let you get seeds from experienced local gardeners. Check your city or county extension office website or local gardening groups on social media to find swaps in your area. Seeds from swaps are usually well-adapted to your region but may not come with germination information.

What to look for on a seed packet

Before buying, check the packet date. Seeds packed in the current year have the highest germination rates. Seeds more than two years old may not sprout reliably. Look at the "days to maturity" number—this tells you how many days from transplanting to ripe fruit. If your growing season is short, choose varieties with 60 to 75 days to maturity rather than 85 to 95.

Read the disease resistance codes on the back. Common codes are V (Verticillium wilt), F (Fusarium wilt), N (nematodes), T (tobacco mosaic virus), and A (Alternaria). If your area has a history of any of these diseases, choose varieties with matching letters. The packet also lists whether the variety is determinate (bush, all fruit ripens at once) or indeterminate (vine, produces all season)—choose based on whether you want to can or preserve all at once, or harvest continuously.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I save seeds from store-bought tomatoes to plant next year?

Only if the tomato is from an heirloom or open-pollinated variety—the packet will say so. Seeds from hybrid tomatoes (marked F1 on the packet) will not produce plants identical to the parent, and fruit quality is unpredictable. Heirloom seeds can be saved by fermenting the seed pulp, rinsing, drying completely, and storing in a cool, dry place.

What is the difference between heirloom and hybrid tomato seeds?

Heirloom varieties are open-pollinated, meaning seeds produce plants identical to the parent. Hybrids (F1) are crosses of two parent varieties and produce uniform, often disease-resistant plants, but seeds from hybrid fruit will not grow true to type. Heirlooms often have more flavor but less disease resistance; hybrids are more reliable but less diverse in taste.

Do I need to buy seeds every year?

Yes, for hybrid varieties. For heirlooms and open-pollinated types, you can save seeds from your best plants and replant them the following year. Saved seeds must be stored in a cool, dry place (below 50°F and under 50% humidity) to stay viable. Most home gardeners buy fresh seeds annually because storage is difficult and germination rates drop over time.

What if I cannot find the variety I want locally?

Order online from a specialized seed company or request a catalog. If you need seeds urgently, check multiple online retailers—some ship faster than others. If you want seeds before the next planting season, save them from this year's plants or join a local seed swap where gardeners often have extra packets.

Are expensive seed packets worth the cost?

Price does not always reflect quality. Expensive packets from specialty companies often contain more seeds or rare varieties, but basic packets from hardware stores work just as well for common types. Compare the number of seeds per packet and the germination rate listed on the back. A cheaper packet with 50 seeds is better value than an expensive one with 10 seeds.