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I have been buying from this company for many years, and am always very happy with them. They have unusual seeds that you can't find anywhere else, they ship quickly, their shipping is very reasonable, and they are a small business that communicates with their customers. On the rare occasions that there is an error in an order they immediately make it good. I highly recommend them.
Positive
serge1966 Ellicott City, MD (1 review) May 9, 2012
I purchased Ramsons seeds from a GB seller this spring and was unable to have them germinated. Some reviews say that this plant is difficult to cultivate from seeds. Found the seeds in the J.L. Hudson list and decided to give it a try. The seeds have very high germination rate. Really happy. Also found some plants in their catalog I considered rare.
Positive
DonnaMack Elgin, IL (Zone 5a) (39 reviews) May 7, 2012
Posted on December 20, 2002, updated May 7, 2012
I have ordered from J. L. Hudson for the last four years and have been very pleased. The germination rate, if the instructions are followed, is in excess of 95% for the perennials and annuals I have started from seed. Unlike most catalogues, this one specifies the expected rate (50%, for example, which allows you to adjust the amount you sow)
and just how difficult or easy the germination process will be, so you can decide whether it is worth a go. The prices are unbelievably low; (the "expensive" ones are $2.00 a pack) and I have had the opportunity to grow plants that you may have heard described and never seen, or grow a different variant on a familiar plant. As an example, Platycodon grandiflorus (blue ballooon flower) is in every catalogue - but is Perlemutter (mother of pearl with dark pink lines - much more rare, and beautiful, that Fuji Pink) or the white version? And the postage is $1.00 for up to 20 packets! Given the high quality and germination rates, the low prices and the cheap postage, not to mention the sometimes rare and normally expensive varieties, this may be the best bargain in seeds.On May 7th, 2012, DonnaMack added the following:
Although the prices have gone up just a bit since I wrote my last review, I have continued to be very pleased with my dealings with JL Hudson. I was sent an email confirming my order, and told when it would ship. They are still the best bargain in seeds. I ordered some seeds from their supplemental catalog, and they arrived promptly, well packaged and with generous amounts of seed. It's a pleasure doing business with them.
Positive
Old_Gardener Calabasas, CA (20 reviews) May 5, 2012
Posted on April 30, 2012, updated May 5, 2012
Posted on March 9, 2012, updated April 30, 2012
Posted on March 9, 2012, updated March 9, 2012
Posted on March 6, 2012, updated March 9, 2012
Posted on February 29, 2012, updated March 6, 2012
Posted on February 21, 2012, updated February 29, 2012
Posted on February 20, 2012, updated February 21, 2012
I recently had the pleasure of doing business with JL Hudson after seeing them listed as a Watchdog 30 company. After reading a particular review, I was a bit uneasy contacting the company with some questions pertaining to Cladrastis but I needed the information prior to placing an order. I emailed them on a Saturday night (2/11) and received a courteous and thorough reply the following morning (on a Sunday, no less, and despite the fact that it is the busy season!).
I placed an order for 39 packages of seed on Monday and found the ordering process straightforward (they provide clear instructions on their site). Although JL Hudson is currently showing a 3 day backlog, my order was shipped out on Friday (I had assumed my order would be processed the following week due to the 3 day normal processing time + 3 day backlog listed on their site). The quick shipment is most appreciated - especially this time of year. By the way, I wish more companies would take JL Hudson's lead and display their backlogs - it makes scheduling so much easier.
In closing, I have found this company to be extremely responsive, quick, and communicative coupled with an extensive catalog of hard-to-find seed, low prices and even lower shipping fees ($2.50 for my entire order). I will update this review after I receive my order but given the history to date, I have no reason to anticipate any difficulties. Thank you to the folks at JL Hudson - a stellar job! On February 21st, 2012, Old_Gardener added the following:
I have already received my order and everything is here - clearly labeled and well packaged (the catalog that I had requested was included, too). Thank you, JL Hudson, for the great (and invaluable) service that you provide! On February 29th, 2012, Old_Gardener added the following:
A quick update... I am really impressed with the quality of their seed. The robinia trees are already up and growing (and only 6 days after sowing)!! I will definitely be placing another order soon.On March 6th, 2012, Old_Gardener added the following:
I placed an additional order on Friday, 3/2. Today, Tuesday the 6th, JL Hudson notified me that they have already shipped. Thank you, JL Hudson, for another quick and easy transaction! On March 9th, 2012, Old_Gardener added the following:
I received my package on Thursday, 3/9. Everything was there and well packed. I highly recommend JL Hudson!On March 9th, 2012, Old_Gardener added the following:
'Sorry - the above comment should have read Thursday, 3/8.On April 30th, 2012, Old_Gardener added the following:
I placed another order on Saturday, the 28th, for 12 packs of seed. In regard to complaints about the ordering process - ordering really is straight forward and JL Hudson provides clear directions. If this old woman can do it, anyone can! And for those that prefer a website shopping cart, please remember that this is a seedbank - there are many megalithic corporations that will provide you with a cart, but you won't get the vast selection nor, most likely, the great service that the folks at JL Hudson provide. Thank you, JL Hudson, for the invaluable public service that you provide. Without you, I would not have been able to locate half the seed that I have purchased through you (and at a bargain of a price)! On May 5th, 2012, Old_Gardener added the following:
I received my seeds yesterday - everything was there and well packed. Germination rates for the previous orders are nearly 100% across the board and this includes many varieties of trees and shrubs. I could not be more pleased!
I have used this seed source for many years. I thoroughly enjoy reading the catalogs with a cup of tea. I always find interesting new plants to grow. I appreciate the very reasonable pricing and quick response to my orders. This is a really fun place to shop. Try it - you'll like it!
This company is really a gem! But if you're expecting it like your ordinary seed company, you may be disappointed (see Neutral reviews). However, their selection of some unusual plants and ease of shipping make it more than worthwhile. Sorry for the lady who had to use more than one step to order. Poor baby!
Positive
chespen Neudorf, SK (Zone 3a) (1 review) April 30, 2012
I have been ordering from this company for a number of years and am very impressed with their service, their prices and their very informative catalog-I use it as a reference for lots of things from correct pronunciation to hardiness information. They are not hard to order from: fill out order form, buy money order and mail. As well, the germination rate of the seeds is very high. If there was a star rating, I would give them 10 out of 10.If you are looking for flashy pictures and flowery descriptions, this is not the company for you but it is if you are looking for excellent service and seeds.
I've ordered from J. L. Hudson several times over the last four years and have always been very satisfied with the seed and their service. If only all businesses were as well-run! The seeds do well, the catalog is very informative and the response time is quite reasonable. I hope to be buying seeds from them for many more years!
We are installing an apiary in the next few weeks and have done lots of "home work" on what bees thrive on. Some of what I was looking for could be found on other sites but I wanted to see if there was one site that had it all. Somewhere in Googledom, I found a link to JL Hudson and I could not believe their website! Retro! But you never judge a book by its cover and once I began to forage through their garden of seeds, I was smitten. They had everything I was looking for (and some I was NOT looking for)! Seeds came today and just as I expected, in nice small typewritten (looks just like their site) envelops with great attention to detail. Will be starting these seeds off this weekend and will post results. Thank you, JL Hudson. Now I am going out to tell 10 friends!
Neutral
RoseyQ Crystal Lake, IL (Zone 5a) (7 reviews) April 5, 2012
Posted on December 17, 2006, updated April 5, 2012
I like this company very much.On April 5th, 2012, RoseyQ changed the rating from positive to neutral and added the following:
The reason why I am not ordering from them this year is becuase it's too much work to place an order. You have to send them an email with cut and pasted decriptions of what you want, the quanity and price, add it all up, figure the correct shipping fee, send them the email request, then you have to pay through PayPal. It's a two-step process. They really do make ordering alot of work for their customers and I find no other seed companies ask this of their customers in order to sell seeds.
Maybe they could look at the other top 5 companies at the Garden Watchdog and see how they recieve and process orders online.
Plentiful in seed and cordiality. I look at the pictures in T&M then go shopping at JLHudson. Great prices- Support these Majestic sons'o bitches. Real nitty gritty individually owned buisness breakin' sweat. Delivery?... All the express none of the ponies-they put the horsepower in hot rod's & cold ones. Love'M
Positive
lawyer3145 vancouver, BC (Zone 7b) (1 review) March 19, 2012
I have only been ordering from J L Hudson for a few years but I must agree with everyone else: the selection is wonderful, the service rapid, the seeds of high quality, and the prices low - so low that I hope they can stay in business. And my children love the catalogue, getting a feel for old tyme anarchism.
Positive
dwc47 Chattanooga, TN (Zone 7b) (14 reviews) March 16, 2012
Posted on April 22, 2010, updated March 16, 2012
I have bought seeds here for many years now. Seeds have always been fresh and viable and the quantity received very generous for the low price paid. Read the catalog thoroughly, and you will find a refreshingly honest view of exotics vs. natives.On March 16th, 2012, dwc47 added the following:
Last year I had some problems with germination of the Fatsia japonica offered. I sent a short note to David, not really as a complaint, but more of a fyi. I didn't expect anything, but a year later he sent me 2 packets of new seed, and I have already gotten germination in about 9 days. I have never received this level of service from any other seed company! I offer my highest recommendation for David and for Ms. Calkins.
What a terrific source for seeds! Love the no-frills catalog. Exellent service and very fast shipping, even during the busy season. I'm a customer for life.
I've been ordering from JL Hudson since the '80s, and they have always been consistently wonderful.
Positive
MAINE_CAL Pittsfield, ME (1 review) February 21, 2012
Very professional. Acknowledged the order next business day. Fast turn around from order to shipping. Notified me when seeds were shipped. Quick delivery. Only time will tell on germination & growth!
Just an amazing catalog both online and print.
I'm glad to find some use for the Latin classes I took back in the day!
I can't see how they break even with the shipping fees they charge, not complaining just very appreciative dealing with a company who doesn't gouge you at the checkout.
Positive
southfarm Kirtland, OH (2 reviews) February 13, 2012
I have been exuberantly ordering from J L Hudson Seedsman Catalog for countless number of years and it is one of the few that I am proud to share with my neighbors. The switch to using Paypal is another example of J L Hudson Seedsman's continuing search for excellence. I like the online for ordering and the catalog for sharing.
Orders at J L Hudson Seeds
Positive
gregr18 Bridgewater, MA (Zone 6b) (25 reviews) February 8, 2012
Posted on August 11, 2011, updated February 8, 2012
I ordered a variety of interesting seeds from J.L.H. and they shipped my order quickly. There were detailed sowing instructions and a generous quantity of seeds in each packet. Reading the website is an education in itself, and includes some interesting and thought-provoking words about biodiversity and man's role in it. The information about GA-3 for seed germination is also a good read for anyone interested in propagation from seed.
I don't yet know about the germination rates on their seed, and I will update on that as I find out, but I expect good results considering their reputation. On February 8th, 2012, gregr18 added the following:
Germination, even of tricky seeds, has been excellent, and just as importantly, seedlings have been healthy and putting out their true leaves. Germination times listed in their interesting (and very aesthetically pleasing) catalog have been, for me, accurate if not a little conservative, at least in the conditions in which I am sprouting them.
I really encourage anyone interested in growing from seed to try one of their GA-3 kits. The stuff couldn't be any easier to use and the results, both good (bypassing cold treatment, jump-starting slow to germinate seeds, initiating overnight germination, etc) and bad (watching over-exposed seedlings turn into little more then long spindly stems with tiny stunted cotyledons that keel over and rot) are really interesting. The good far outweighs the bad, and most of the bad results I obtained intentionally just to see what would happen.
I like this seed bank a lot, and will gladly continue to buy from them.
I ordered seeds from J.L. Hudson Seedsman after reading their feedback and must say, they are a great company to deal with. They mailed the seeds (Fatsia Japonica) to me without delay. I had requested a catalog, however, assumed it would arrive with my seeds. I had also ordered catalogs for my mother and sister, who live in another state. My seed packet directions referred me to the catalog for sowing, so when I did not have the catalog, I sent an e-mail inquiring about this, and received the following reply!
Thanks very much! I learned something - when people request catalogs for others, always include a note in their order letting them know that they were sent!
The catalog arrived a few days later, has a wealth of information, and is a pleasure to have. They are definitely up front and courteous to their customers, and have maintained their ability to be personable throughout their many years or business. I will definitely order from them again!!
Positive
BobThree Sacramento, CA (1 review) February 4, 2012
Another happy experience ordering from "J.L. Hudson, Seedsman".
Reasonable prices, an excellent list of seeds, and very fast service are once again characteristic of their service.
Thanks!
Posted on August 31, 2004, updated February 3, 2012
I absolutely love this company. What a great list of seeds. Never a problem, ever!On February 27th, 2005, chunx added the following:
I just received my Spring order of seeds. Once again, not a disappointment. Fast shipping, very low prices, dirt cheap shipping, and everything was in stock. I am always happy in my dealings with these people. If I can't find the particular seeds I'm looking for from this company (which carries a lot of unusual and native seeds), I can find them at Park Seed. These are my favorite 2 seed providers because of selection and customer service. Why go anywhere else?On February 3rd, 2012, chunx added the following:
Each year I've placed my order for seeds and they've never failed me. Excellent germination, fast shipping, no errors, and excellent customer service. See, it can be done the old fashioned way. Why? Because they care.
Positive
Frank1965 Shreveport, LA (15 reviews) January 28, 2012
I have ordered for years and am always pleased. They have seeds that you won't see down at the big box. Be prepared to see things you never knew existed! I hope they never get a shopping cart system- stay small and focused and be unique. It also keeps the riff-raff from bugging you all the time! I will be back!
Posted on September 6, 2008, updated January 24, 2012
I've ordered from JL Hudson for years. Always excellent service and an amazing variety of seeds. On January 24th, 2012, Celene added the following:
I just ordered again for the something-teenth year in a row--always a fine selection of seeds, accurate germination instructions, and an exceptionally well-written catalog.
Positive
jammypie Saint Francis, MN (1 review) January 6, 2012
I found the transaction of ordering seeds to be quite satisfying. The instructions how to place a order was explained well. I even recieved an email notification when my order was shipped without even having to ask for one.
Positive
JacobJacob Beverly Hills, CA (1 review) January 5, 2012
Have ordered for several years now. They have new toys for those of us too old for colorful plastic. The orders are always correct and they barely take any money for anything they do. And besides that you might as well get corn/tomatoes/okra/etc while you're ordering from them, they don't just do exotics. They like their jobs obviously. (I will slightly echo one thing someone said below, I did once suggest NZ Spinach should be marked "cook this, it's mildly poisonous raw." The guy wasn't angry, but he did say he'd never heard of that, he eats it all the time. I think he was full of manure. (Come to think of it the stuff that burned my mouth was from another seed company, maybe JLH has a breed with lower oxalic acid.) Anyway don't eat anything raw with high oxalic acid.)
Positive
greybanks Staten Island, NY (4 reviews) October 11, 2011
Their catalog is a thing of wonder. "Produced without the use of computers!" As in typeset by hand. I think this shows dedication to doing things a certain way, and I greatly appreciate their philosophy and mission of preservation. Truly rare these days.
Service was prompt and friendly. My recent (internet) order was filled promptly and I had received it later that same week. The shipping cost is the most reasonable I've seen. Emails are answered promptly.
Their selection is very wide. I ordered mostly flowers and some vegetables, just due to the time of year it is now, but will be ordering more in the future. I've already started those from my order that don't require chilling and germination rates have been great. Overall, really delighted with these guys and will be ordering again soon once I have some more space for starts.
Positive
jtellerelsberg Norwich, VT (Zone 5a) (11 reviews) September 16, 2011
I have ordered seeds from J.L. Hudson twice now, and on both occasions the orders were filled correctly and promptly. I appreciate J.L. Hudson's extensive selection. It would be nice if the website were a little more user-friendly and included a bit more information on each plant, but even without those changes I am sure that I will order from J.L. Hudson again in the future.
I bought from this company a few years ago. Their catalog was easy to read and find things in, their prices were good. and delviery was prompt, that's all anyone could really expect. My only complaint was i wrote a short note inquiring about a certian speices, the owner wrote back very disturbed by my question. I'm not sure, but it sounded like he was disturbed because he felt I questioned his integrity via his products. I never wrote back explaining it was nothing personal, rather I told myself in the future if I've any questions to use google rather than ask him. His reply really did disturb me just because he was so angry, and i hadn't a clue my question would cause that kind of reaction. I'd do business with them again, but don't ever ask any questions.
Positive
midnite99 Edwardsburg, MI (1 review) September 10, 2011
I've been a long time costumer with J.L Hudson. They always have the most interesting plant seeds . I've never been dissatisfied. They always come through A++++++++.
I have dealt with JL Hudson for years. They have a great product and service. I would recommend them to anyone.
Positive
BreadnButterFly New Chicago, IN (Zone 5a) (1 review) July 22, 2011
First time customer, so before I ordered I stopped here to read the reviews - all of which impressed me a great deal. Happy to report that my experience was also extremely positive. Very large, diverse & unusual inventory available & the service was great! Simple ordering process, safe on-line payment option (Paypal) & quick response time. I received a timely acknowledgment of my order & the order, placed on Tuesday, arrived on Thursday. Seeds well-packaged & clearly marked.
Well, that's all for now - off to peruse the catalog....which is loaded with possibilities & information!
Positive
blumenlieber vancouver, WA (Zone 8a) (10 reviews) July 12, 2011
Long time catalogue peruser, first time customer. What was i waiting for? Wonderful selection of the ordinary and extraordinary, lots of helpful and interesting info. Great value, easy ordering process, quick delivery. Next to nothing for shipping. Thank you. I'll be back for more.
Posted on February 16, 2009, updated June 30, 2011
I have been ordering from this company for many years...perhaps since I was 12 years old, back when it was called World Wide Seeds or something like that. It is an excellent company...quick service both in the US and abroad, and (with few exceptions) great germination rates, fresh seed, great informative catalog...highly recommended. On June 30th, 2011, botanikk added the following:
As always, highly recommended. Recently received a refund because I paid too much postage...as indeed it seemed. They say on their website they will, and they do. One of (and very few) top favorite sources for seed.
I love J.L. Hudson - great collection of rare, wild species. I use them for both home enjoyment, but also as a source of material for research (I am a plant biologist). Fast, inexpensive shipping, and a seeds are usually high quality (good germination rates on most items). I would highly reccommend them.
I've been getting seeds from J.L. Hudson for nevermind-how-many years. In a way I miss getting the paper catalog. It was once my favorite annual reading, full of fascinating details about plants I'd never heard of that weren't in any other catalog. Nowhere else could I get some of the uncultivated natural species. Now that my eyes have gone to crap from glaucoma, reading on paper is no pleasure -- but the online catalog is here to make my day.
Positive
peavine5 Shingle Springs, CA (Zone 9a) (2 reviews) April 27, 2011
Have been ordering for several years now. Every year I receive excellent, fast, professional service. Many unusual seeds are available and they all germinate successfully at the stated rate. Thanks for the wonderful catelog with germination recommendations, and also for selling GA-3 in the form a "home gardener's kit" to improve germination - the instructions are clear and easy to use and I always have successful results.
Have searched unproductively for this plant for years. Pleased to finally find seeds at Hudson. Ordered late Thursday, 4/21/11 arrived Monday, 4/25/11. Hudson thoughtfully emailed to apologize for delayed order acknowledgement due to computer problems at their end. Nice customer service touch. Wish seeds all sucess in germination - not my strong suit!
J.L. Hudson, Seedsman has 
J.L. Hudson, Seedsman is a 
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