A $3 packet of seeds can look like the ultimate gardening bargain, especially when an online listing promises an unusual flower, giant vegetable, or rare plant that local garden centers never seem to carry. But that tiny packet can create a much bigger headache if the seller misrepresents the seeds, ships them from another country without following U.S. import rules, or sends something entirely different from what the listing promised.
The problem goes beyond wasting a few dollars on seeds that never sprout. Some improperly imported seeds can carry plant pests or diseases, while certain plants and seeds face restrictions because they could introduce invasive weeds or other agricultural problems. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, or APHIS, specifically warns shoppers to check the rules before ordering seeds from foreign sellers online.
