FAQ
Thanks for ordering Seed Catalog
The seed catalog ships separately via bulk mail and will take 2-5 weeks for delivery.
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Can I change my chosen shipping method?
So sorry, but we are not able to make changes to an order after it is placed.
How do I figure out which tomatoes are determinate/indeterminate/semi-determinate?
Each variety is labeled 'determinate,' 'indeterminate, or 'semi-determinate' on the product page itself.
Nearly all of our currently available tomato varieties are indeterminate except for the following ten items:
Determinate: Gourmandise Yellow; Martino's Roma; Micro Tom; Orange Hat; Principe Borghese; and Purple Reign
Semi-Determinate: Peron; Phil's Two, Raspberry Lyanna; and Thorburn's Terra Cotta
Please see our Tomatoes 101 blog post for more information about determinate/indeterminate varieties.
Nearly all of our currently available tomato varieties are indeterminate except for the following ten items:
Determinate: Gourmandise Yellow; Martino's Roma; Micro Tom; Orange Hat; Principe Borghese; and Purple Reign
Semi-Determinate: Peron; Phil's Two, Raspberry Lyanna; and Thorburn's Terra Cotta
Please see our Tomatoes 101 blog post for more information about determinate/indeterminate varieties.
Are your seeds organic?
Our seeds are not certified organic. We have a wide network of over 150 different growers, many of whom are small-scale farmers and home seed savers. We have opted not to require them to go through the bureaucratic process of certification. However, many still follow the organic standard. We also try to use all natural practices on our farm in Missouri and find growers who use sustainable practices as much as possible. We believe all of our seed to be non-hybrid, non-GMO, non-treated and non-patented. We do not buy seed from Bayer-owned Seminis, and we are not members of the pro-GMO American Seed Trade Organization. We source our seeds from our own seed production fields and a network of growers and other seed companies. We think it’s important to talk about GMO seeds, because cross contamination between GMO and non-GMO crops is a concern. GMO crops, particularly corn and soybeans, are widely grown across the U.S. We support this freedom to abstain from growing GMO crops, and Baker Creek tests all of its corn varieties for purity. Although we believe our seed is GMO free, we cannot guarantee one hundred percent due to remote chances of contamination. But we isolate, test, and do our best to offer pure seed.
How will my order ship and how long will it take to receive my order?
Non-Priority orders typically leave our warehouse in 3 to 5 business days, though we strive to ship orders within 48 hours.
Choose our $8.00 priority shipping for faster, trackable delivery. Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company priority shipping and handling includes ASAP order fulfillment and UPS Ground shipping. For priority shipping and handling, expect to receive your order within 5 to 11 business days barring any courier or weather challenges.
Free shipping utilizes USPS flat rate without tracking availability. For free shipping, expect to receive your order within 10 to 18 business days.
All items will ship at the time of order unless they are noted as a "pre-order" item. Seed packets will never be listed as pre-order items.
Choose our $8.00 priority shipping for faster, trackable delivery. Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company priority shipping and handling includes ASAP order fulfillment and UPS Ground shipping. For priority shipping and handling, expect to receive your order within 5 to 11 business days barring any courier or weather challenges.
Free shipping utilizes USPS flat rate without tracking availability. For free shipping, expect to receive your order within 10 to 18 business days.
All items will ship at the time of order unless they are noted as a "pre-order" item. Seed packets will never be listed as pre-order items.
Regarding Shipping Delays
We’ve experienced delays with USPS scanning and package acceptance from our Seymour, Missouri warehouse. USPS tracking updates can be delayed, and processing hubs are facing slowdowns due to high volumes, staffing shortages, and misrouting. Although we fulfill orders promptly, USPS controls the delivery process, and we rely on them for cost-effective, free shipping. However, USPS's operational changes, including reduced on-time delivery targets, have impacted delivery speeds. We appreciate your patience as we work to improve our shipping processes. Read The Official Release >>>
Why can't I purchase more than 10 items?
International orders are limited to 10 items due to customs regulations. We do not provide the necessary Phytosanitary Certificate required for larger seed shipments.
How many seeds do I get with my purchase?
Seed counts vary by product. All items show the minimum seed count in the product description directly under the item name.
There was an error with the items I received. What can I do?
For any issues, including (but not limited to) missing items, incorrect items, or empty seed packets, please email our Customer Care Team at seeds@rareseeds.com. We will correct the issue right away.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, but not to all countries. You may view our international shipping policy.
Canadian orders (Delivered via Canada Post) may be subject to customs duties and fees.
Canadian orders (Delivered via Canada Post) may be subject to customs duties and fees.
Why isn't my payment going through?
Transaction failure happens for many reasons but the most common will result in an error "Gateway Rejected: avs", this is due to the billing address and zip code not being an exact match to the one registered to the card being used. If your card has the +4 listed on your billing address postal code, you need to be sure that is on your billing address for us as well.
Why is my gift certificate showing invalid?
Verify that you have provided the entire certificate number, including RARESEEDGC_ and there are no leading or trailing blank spaces with your certificate number.
After supplying your certificate number, click the submit button, and then the Complete Order button should show available.
If your gift certificate shows it has no balance, and you have a Baker Creek account you are logged into, check your account for a store credit, as it is possible to redeem the certificate to your store credit account.
After supplying your certificate number, click the submit button, and then the Complete Order button should show available.
If your gift certificate shows it has no balance, and you have a Baker Creek account you are logged into, check your account for a store credit, as it is possible to redeem the certificate to your store credit account.
Can I change my existing order?
If you need to update your shipping address, please email us and we will get that updated for you just as quickly as possible.
At this time, we are not able to add to or exchange items on an order.
At this time, we are not able to add to or exchange items on an order.
Why can't I find the RareSeeds Pay option?
We were notified in September that Tandym was canceling ordering ability. Please reach out to their customer service for any questions and to make payments.
Why am I being charged a COD to pick up my package?
Canada may charge duties or taxes on any item purchased online. Note: Canada Post charges a handling fee to process goods imported by mail that are subject to duty and/or tax. If the item is duty-free and tax exempt, no amount is charged. We do not request any COD, and we do not receive any of those funds.
Can't find what you are looking for?
Please email our Customer Care Team with any questions, concerns, or issues! We will happily work to provide the assistance you need.
Customer Care folks are available Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm CDT. If we miss you, we will reach out as soon as we are able.
Customer Care folks are available Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm CDT. If we miss you, we will reach out as soon as we are able.
Information on Purple Galaxy Tomato
Baker Creek regrets to inform you that we will not sell seeds of the Purple Galaxy tomato, which we previewed in our 2024 catalogs. After repeated testing, we are unable to conclusively establish that the Purple Galaxy does not contain any genes that have been genetically modified. Baker Creek remains steadfast in its commitment to selling only heirloom and open-pollinated, non-Genetically Modified (“non-GM”) varieties.
Baker Creek is one of nearly 400 companies that subscribe to the Safe Seed Pledge first created by the Council for Responsible Genetics in 1999. Indeed, we are one of the leaders in the movement to keep gardens free of genetically-engineered plants. In the decades before CRG wrote its Pledge, Big Ag had used genetic engineering to manipulate the DNA of seeds and, by patenting them and suing farmers to “enforce” those patent rights and avoid responsibility for GM contamination of nearby crops, Big Ag obtained significant control the world’s food supply. CRG’s Safe Seed Pledge explains why genetically modified seeds present a threat:
"The mechanical transfer of genetic material outside of natural reproductive methods and between genera, families or kingdoms poses great biological risks as well as economic, political and cultural threats. We feel that genetically engineered varieties have been insufficiently tested prior to public release. More research and testing is necessary to further assess the potential risks of genetically engineered seeds. Further, we wish to support agricultural progress that leads to healthier soils, genetically diverse agricultural ecosystems and ultimately people and communities."
When we previewed the Purple Galaxy tomato in our 2024 catalog, we believed it was scientifically confirmed to not be a GM tomato. We sourced the seed for the Purple Galaxy from a plant breeder in Europe—where GM tomatoes are not approved—who has collected rare tomato seeds for decades and grows more than 1,000 varieties of tomatoes annually. We actively followed his attempts to breed a purple flesh tomato over the course of three years. In the beginning, using two varieties, he had a fruit that was definitely not purple; it was a purplish red with a few purple streaks. Cultivating five generations over three years, he ultimately had a beautiful tomato with purple skin and flesh. We then traveled to Europe to see the plants for ourselves.
Before we would publicly preview the tomato in our catalog, we sent samples of the Purple Galaxy to the European laboratory of one of the world’s largest and most respected international laboratories. We often have used their labs in the United States. They took their time researching and then testing the tomato, and they reported that it did not contain the two genetic markers they measured for. Having monitored the development of the Purple Galaxy over three years in a country that does not allow GMO crops and should thus be free of contamination, and having examined it ourselves up close and subjected it to rigorous testing by a world-renowned lab, we were excited to preview it with you in our 2024 catalog.
But after our 2024 catalog was released, we continued to conduct testing on the Purple Galaxy some of which were inconclusive Also, we were contacted by Norfolk. At this point we decided to put production of Purple Galaxy on hold due to concerns of GMO contamination. Norfolk Healthy Produce is a subsidiary of a European GM Ag company with large, Big Ag investors. Norfolk holds the patent to (and sells) a genetically-engineered purple flesh tomato. Norfolk expressed concern that the Purple Galaxy might have been derived from its patented genetically-engineered tomato, and it suggested additional genes to test for.
Subsequent laboratory testing conducted in conjunction with Norfolk did not conclusively establish a relationship between the Purple Galaxy and Norfolk’s GM purple tomato. Indeed, such contamination should be unlikely in Europe, given its approach to GM crops. But the testing also did not conclusively establish that the Purple Galaxy is truly free of any genetically-modified material. Because we believe the safest plants are those which are open pollinated and not genetically engineered, we chose not to offer the Purple Galaxy seeds for sale and to discontinue production of them. And we reiterate our commitment to refrain from knowingly selling seeds for genetically modified plants. Baker Creek continues to believe that all outdoor GMO plantings should be banned outright due to the potential for cross-pollination and patent infringement issues that are causing a loss of genetic diversity, an increase in new weeds, and have threatened the livelihood of family farmers.
For more than 25 years, Baker Creek has been a leading voice for stewarding non-GMO varieties and for mandating labels on all GM fruits and vegetables. Although we understand that you—like us—may be disappointed not to have a delicious non-GM purple flesh tomato in your garden, we are pleased that we were able to make this decision before a single seed of Purple Galaxy was made available to customers.
Please direct all questions or concerns to us at seeds@rareseeds.com, or use the form below.
Baker Creek is one of nearly 400 companies that subscribe to the Safe Seed Pledge first created by the Council for Responsible Genetics in 1999. Indeed, we are one of the leaders in the movement to keep gardens free of genetically-engineered plants. In the decades before CRG wrote its Pledge, Big Ag had used genetic engineering to manipulate the DNA of seeds and, by patenting them and suing farmers to “enforce” those patent rights and avoid responsibility for GM contamination of nearby crops, Big Ag obtained significant control the world’s food supply. CRG’s Safe Seed Pledge explains why genetically modified seeds present a threat:
"The mechanical transfer of genetic material outside of natural reproductive methods and between genera, families or kingdoms poses great biological risks as well as economic, political and cultural threats. We feel that genetically engineered varieties have been insufficiently tested prior to public release. More research and testing is necessary to further assess the potential risks of genetically engineered seeds. Further, we wish to support agricultural progress that leads to healthier soils, genetically diverse agricultural ecosystems and ultimately people and communities."
When we previewed the Purple Galaxy tomato in our 2024 catalog, we believed it was scientifically confirmed to not be a GM tomato. We sourced the seed for the Purple Galaxy from a plant breeder in Europe—where GM tomatoes are not approved—who has collected rare tomato seeds for decades and grows more than 1,000 varieties of tomatoes annually. We actively followed his attempts to breed a purple flesh tomato over the course of three years. In the beginning, using two varieties, he had a fruit that was definitely not purple; it was a purplish red with a few purple streaks. Cultivating five generations over three years, he ultimately had a beautiful tomato with purple skin and flesh. We then traveled to Europe to see the plants for ourselves.
Before we would publicly preview the tomato in our catalog, we sent samples of the Purple Galaxy to the European laboratory of one of the world’s largest and most respected international laboratories. We often have used their labs in the United States. They took their time researching and then testing the tomato, and they reported that it did not contain the two genetic markers they measured for. Having monitored the development of the Purple Galaxy over three years in a country that does not allow GMO crops and should thus be free of contamination, and having examined it ourselves up close and subjected it to rigorous testing by a world-renowned lab, we were excited to preview it with you in our 2024 catalog.
But after our 2024 catalog was released, we continued to conduct testing on the Purple Galaxy some of which were inconclusive Also, we were contacted by Norfolk. At this point we decided to put production of Purple Galaxy on hold due to concerns of GMO contamination. Norfolk Healthy Produce is a subsidiary of a European GM Ag company with large, Big Ag investors. Norfolk holds the patent to (and sells) a genetically-engineered purple flesh tomato. Norfolk expressed concern that the Purple Galaxy might have been derived from its patented genetically-engineered tomato, and it suggested additional genes to test for.
Subsequent laboratory testing conducted in conjunction with Norfolk did not conclusively establish a relationship between the Purple Galaxy and Norfolk’s GM purple tomato. Indeed, such contamination should be unlikely in Europe, given its approach to GM crops. But the testing also did not conclusively establish that the Purple Galaxy is truly free of any genetically-modified material. Because we believe the safest plants are those which are open pollinated and not genetically engineered, we chose not to offer the Purple Galaxy seeds for sale and to discontinue production of them. And we reiterate our commitment to refrain from knowingly selling seeds for genetically modified plants. Baker Creek continues to believe that all outdoor GMO plantings should be banned outright due to the potential for cross-pollination and patent infringement issues that are causing a loss of genetic diversity, an increase in new weeds, and have threatened the livelihood of family farmers.
For more than 25 years, Baker Creek has been a leading voice for stewarding non-GMO varieties and for mandating labels on all GM fruits and vegetables. Although we understand that you—like us—may be disappointed not to have a delicious non-GM purple flesh tomato in your garden, we are pleased that we were able to make this decision before a single seed of Purple Galaxy was made available to customers.
Please direct all questions or concerns to us at seeds@rareseeds.com, or use the form below.