Historic Comstock Ferre – Wethersfield, CT

Discover Comstock, Ferre & Co., one of the oldest heirloom seed companies in the United States, preserving rare and historic seed varieties since 1811. Founded by Joseph Belden, with operations later expanded by his brother James Lockwood Belden from their 1767 colonial home in Wethersfield, Connecticut, Comstock quickly became a trusted name in New England gardening.

Over two centuries, Comstock Ferre has endured wars, industrial changes, and even threats of demolition—continuing its legacy of offering high-quality heirloom seeds for gardeners and farms. In 2010, Jere and Emilee Gettle purchased the company, restoring its historic buildings and reviving rare seeds from the original catalogs.

In 2020, the historic property was sold to Spiro and Julia Koulouris, operators of the on-site Heirloom Market, while the seed business continues as a distributor of Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, keeping heritage gardening alive in New England and beyond.

Today, Comstock Ferre is a living history destination. Explore restored barns, offices, and grounds where seeds have been sorted and packed for over 200 years, and experience the rich history of heirloom gardening and American agriculture.