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Gulf Coast Gardening

Ferry-Morse seeds?

12 years ago

I'm curious of the opinions of Ferry-Morse seeds. I've only had experience so far with seeds from Botanical Interests and Burpee.

It's probably not good to go with a national home improvement store over a gardering/nursery store, but I noticed that Lowe's now features Ferry-Morse seeds instead of Burpee. The since "1856"(?) made them look somewhat impressive; i.e. that they've been around awhile and maybe could be reliable.

I was about to plant some of their seeds, but came upon some negative reviews (and neutral ones as well), that made the seeds look less-than-desirable. Maybe they've made changes for the worse lately, and the quality has gone downhill?

Thanks.

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Comments (5)

natal
12 years ago
I buy some Ferry-Morse seeds at a local independent nursery and have never had a problem with them. As long as the seeds aren't exposed to extreme temps they should be fine. I won't buy any seeds from one nursery here that keeps them in an outdoor environment where it's very humid.
bigoledude
12 years ago
Every year, it seems I find something on a Ferry Morse rack that I have room for. They've done well.
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one of the better producing bush beans (top crop) I have grown came from a Ferry Morse packet, I also have had good experience with a cucumber (homemade pickles) that was from them. I don't have any complaints about the company. Like Dave said though, you'll find better variety from the catalogs. As far as quality goes, I don't think you'll be disappointed with Ferry Morse.
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HU-7243472
3 years ago
I recently purchased some seeds directly from Ferry Morse, and never received them. They charged me for the seeds, and $5.99 shipping. After not receiving them, I contacted them about it and they did not offer to re-send more seeds. I then asked for a refund and they refunded only the price of the seeds. I don't know about the seeds, but the customer service is lacking and I feel ripped off. I will never do business with them again.
HU-400281261
3 years ago
Ferry-Morse seeds suck. I bought 4 packets at Lowes as they don't carry Burpee anymore. The packet of "Early Golden Bantam" is not. The actual plant looks unreal and alien. The plants barely resemble corn with stalks going in all directions, tassels so huge the stalks topple overs and ripen before ear silk appears. Leaves are thin and twice as long as normal corn. Ears are not bantam. I got 3-1/2 edible ears from the fist 15 plants. I'm trying to pollinate the rest by hand. Another packet was "Top Crop Beans, Garden" where the packet pictures long slim beans. They are not anything like that. And seem to be one and done as far as producing. Another one was "Pak Choy" a small Bok Choy, similar to what we buy at the store. Again, not as pictured. Before getting large enough to eat, they went to seed. Also, they did not sprout well. The 4th packet was beets, and I have no complaints about it. No more Ferry-Morse for me.
Sharon Dozier
2 years ago
I have been buying blue lake green beans for 45 yrs. I got 8 big packets of ferry Morse blue lakes this year and they aren't blue lakes.These are very stringing and some are flat with big beans.I am embarrassed to even share my pickings.So very, very disappointed!!

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