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We are certified organic seed growers in Williams, Oregon, with over 700 species of medicinal herbs on our land. We grow things that are hard to find elsewhere--Turkey Rhubarb, Mandrake, White Sage, Virginia Snakeroot, Red Trillium, Eleuthero Ginseng, Echinacea tennesseensis, etc., etc., as well as the majority of "tried and true" medicinals (Valerian, Elecampane, Marshmallow, etc.)
We have a website at horizonherbs.com, our popular seed catalog is available by request, and we have written several in-depth books about growing and using medicinal herbs. We are gardeners, artists and scientists, focusing strongly on identity and quality of our seeds.
Our motto is "Sowing seeds worldwide for the benefit of people, plants and the planet."
Best regards,
Richo Cech
I enjoy reading the Horizon Herbs catalog, with its extensive array of herb seeds and plants. All my order experiences have been positive and I would recommend Horizon Herbs to anyone who is interested in learning more about herbs and sprouting them from seed. Richo even emailed me to answer a question I had about smudge herbs and he was very helpful. I also received a phone call alerting me that my plants were about to be shipped. Very thoughtful! I'm an adoring fan of Horizon Herbs.
Positive
LadyAssassin Belleville, ON (Zone 5b) (13 reviews) May 4, 2012
I made my first order with Horizon Herbs earlier this year and have been very pleased with the germination of seeds. They have a wonderful inventory, fast shipping and lovely customer service. I'll most likely order again.
I've ordered seed from Horizon Herbs many times and have been generally satisfied. They have a great selection of odd and interesting edible plants. Some seeds have been difficult to germinate, and I haven't always succeeded, but the difficulty was a characteristic of the species, not necessarily the fault of Horizon Herbs. This year, for the first time, I ordered plants -- Chocolate Mint, Mashua, and a Spicebush. They arrived a couple days ago. The Mashua plants look great -- much, much, much better than the rotten tubers that I got from McClure & Zimmerman once. The Spicebush and Chocolate Mint are both very small, and I was a little disappointed about their size. But they're healthy and came well-packed. With time, they'll grow and thrive.
This was my first order from Horizon herbfarm. I ordered six live baby curry leaf plants and wondered how they could be packed and shipped so that they would survive. They came in two days, all six of them healthy and whole with instructions for unwrapping them and taking care of them. I'm glad Horizon included a catalog because I'd like to order from them again.
This is my second season ordering seeds from Horizon and the first year ordering live plants. Horizon called me at the end of the week to inform me they were shipping and the plants arrived early the following in excellent condition with one of better packing jobs I have seen. I was very impressed, especially compared to some of the other packing jobs I have received, including one that separated the top part of the tree from the bottom.
I've recommended them to my friends; the same goes for anybody looking for the less common varieties of seed. For anybody interested in growing chile, I suggest Aji Colorado. Low-medium heat with excellent flavor on very productive plants
Positive
harrisfuz Albuquerque, NM (1 review) April 8, 2012
Horizon herbs is one of the best places to purchase medical herb plants and seeds. The vitality of the plants and seeds is so strong, I can feel it emanating all around me in the garden. I have been ordering from Richo for years and my garden has many of his plant beings in it now. I feel a healing soothing relationship with these plants just by sitting with them. The customer service is excellent, too. One year my live plant box had obviously been kicked around during shipment. When I opened it up, plant roots were loose out of the dirt. Richo quickly righted the situation by sending a replacement order. However, I couldn't bear to dump the plants in the garbage, so I planted them anyway without much hope of any surviving. To my surprise all of them not only grew, but are now some of the most vibrant plants in my garden. You can't go wrong with Horizon Herbs.
Positive
nmulvany Fort Collins, CO (1 review) April 6, 2012
This is my first purchase from Horizon Herbs. My order included two live plants and seeds. I am so impressed with the plants. They arrived securely packaged and happy!
Additionally, I am impressed with Horizon Herbs. Early spring is a busy time of the year for them. Yet, they made time to handle a special request from me. I will be ordering from Horizon Herbs again.
Positive
plarson65 Santa Barbara, CA (2 reviews) March 10, 2012
I never bought anything from them, but i have a close friend who speaks well about Richo, or I think that is the owners name. She has no computer or way to post reviews. So I'm doing this on her behalf. Thanks Richo for making my friend Anna so happy!
Positive
dscoots76 New Bloomfield, MO (1 review) September 3, 2011
I have made several purchases of seed from Horizon Herbs...all of the seed from woodland herbs to medicinal herbs were excellent quality. I have had high germination rates on all of the seed that I have purchased from them. Richo's insight and feedback have been outstanding, informative, and most beneficial! Keep up the fantastic customer service. I look forward to doing subsequesnt business with Horizon Herbs.
I have been ordering seed/tubers from Horizon for several years now. There's a couple things I really appreciate about them:
- Their catalog is a wealth of information and knowledge, I read them like a magazine.
- The range of medicinals and herbs offered is impressive.
-Their seed has consistently had a high germination rate across the board (the lone exception was uva ursi, which is a slow and difficult germinator anyways).
-With a user account, one can pull up all their past orders, which I recently found helpful trying to remember a specific variety I ordered a couple years ago.
-I feel like the money Horizon gets from me will end up in a good place and put to good use.
- Living in PDX, I know the seed is adapted to the NW climate.
- Their edible offerings have been very appealing to me in the past year or so. They have made great strides in this department.
- It's refreshing to read about one's reverence for the power of plants in a catalog, it's welcoming and educating.
Summary: Give them a try, they're reliable and provide good quality!
I have been ordering seeds from Horizon Herbs for many years (probably closing in on 20 by now), and I am a huge fan.
First of all, I'm very grateful to have such a comprehensive source for medicinal plant seeds. This has led to some pretty interesting experimentation on my part - not all of it successful, but that's generally because I've tried growing things that I really had no business trying to grow in my climate. But it's always fun to try, and lots of the experiments have been outrageously successful. I've even had a few experiments that I'd given up on, only to find that plant growing randomly in my yard several years later. Wild plants are unpredictable, and it almost seems to me that they travel to where they want to be. :)
When I've needed growing advice, the folks at Horizon have always been very happy and quick to give it. They are real gardeners, not just seed salesmen, and they really want you to succeed in your growing endeavors. They totally rock!
Probably my favorite experiment ever has been Spilanthes (Toothache Plant). I really didn't know what to expect, but this plant is now a garden regular. Beautiful, bizzare, useful, and incredibly easy! The seeds are easy to save, so I've never had to buy more, and they volunteer all over the place!
Speaking of saving seeds, I have had more success saving seeds from plants grown from Horizon Herb seeds than from any others. Seriously, sometimes I wonder how they can stay in business with such saveable seeds, but they are like the exact opposite of the Monsantos of the seed world, and ya gotta love them for that!
For the last few years they've been moving toward offering more seeds for edibles as well. Two of these that I absolutely love are the wild arugula (way tastier than any arugula I've ever had, and I can plant it outdoors in March here in upstate NY and be chomping it in April) and the mixed cooking greens, which will keep cranking out until they're covered in snow. I do both of these in pots, urban gardeners!
I also highly recommend checking out their rockin' assortment of Tulsi (holy basil), an awesome plant that sort of crosses the line between medicinal and culinary. Grows easily in pots, too.
And tobacco - everyone cringes when they hear that name, but all I have to say is try growing it and I bet you'll develop a new respect for this beautiful plant.
Okay, enough of my raging fan rant. Happy Gardening, Folks!!!
Posted on August 22, 2009, updated July 30, 2011
they have a large selection of hard to find medicinal herbs. always helpful and always ready to help. seeds and plants come when they say. always my first place to look for herbs. always have had a great experience with them. a definite must see and look for all of your medicinal plants. DawnOn July 30th, 2011, commanderkibble added the following:
I have ordered a few times and always with great results, the help and information is always great. very happy everytime. commanderkibbleCompany representative comment on August 22, 2009: On Aug 22, 2009 11:20 AM, Horizon Herbs, LLC responded with:
Dawn,
Thanks very much for the support. Nature is diverse and doesn't always conform to our human plans, but if we've managed to get you items at a good time of year, it means you ordered according to the seasons. That really improves your chances of success!
Richo
Positive
kimbermoss Scottsdale, AZ (1 review) June 27, 2011
I feel so blessed by finding Horizon Herbs 5 years ago. I am a huge fan of Richo. I find his books to be both educational and filled with great little antidotes about his life. I truly want to visit their farm someday, but for now, I can only give the best review for them I can. I have this need to germ seed! LOL, and I love that whatever I research on, for sure, Richo has it!
Thank you for being so informative and entertaining! Company representative comment on June 27, 2011: On Jun 27, 2011 8:30 PM, Horizon Herbs, LLC responded with:
Oh, thanks for that! Speaking of germinating seed, common dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis) is on my mind tonight because I just planted the first seeds of our new cultivar "Big Love." We won't have this for public distribution until next year, but I am pretty excited about it. For being such a widespread and common plant, dandelion has some rather singular attributes. The newly harvested seed is really easy to germinate but it takes on dormancy once it is aged for a couple of months. The plant is apomictic (division of gamete asexually) so pollinators are not ruquired and ostensibly each seed produced by a given plant will produce a plant identical to the parent. Medicinally, there is really nothing quite like it, in that it moves toxins out of the body with great efficiency. As such, it is a great herb to take in combo with other herbs that have specific activity but may prove toxic or have unwanted side effects. Several jump to mind. Burdock, which breaks up infection in the body but often has the unpleasant habit of releasing metabolic waste products through the skin in nasty little pustules. Lomatium, which is a potent antiviral herb (used in treating influenza) but can cause an embarassing (but overall more or less harmless) rash. Combine these herbs with dandelion. It's a true friend. Richo
I ordered the Hoedown vegetable seed collection and am more than pleased. My order arrived right on time and so far everything planted is germinating. I sowed the peas, beans and corn directly into my garden and they are going especially crazy. The beans are little works of art and so beautiful I almost hated to plant them.
The order came with a special set of instructions for newer gardeners for companion planting ideas along with other useful gardening tips and tricks (nice).
I will definitely be purchasing more seeds from them in the future.Company representative comment on June 20, 2011: On Jun 20, 2011 9:56 PM, Horizon Herbs, LLC responded with:
Thanks very much for this positive report. You know, it takes good seeds AND a good gardener to make the magic happen! Richo
I absolutely LOVE Horizon Herbs! I have always recieved super fast shipping, great quality seeds, alot of seed for my money, and great germination rates. The only time I ever ran in to trouble was growing certain hard to grow varieties, but they truthfuly state in their catalog that they are indeed hard to grow, so I was not surprised at my inability to grow them. I have successfully seed saved plants I have grown from thier seeds, and my own seed saved seeds pop up 80% of the time, so I find that their seeds are great for the seed saver interested in preserving these plants. When ever I have placed an order over the phone, I have always been greeted with a friendly voice on the other end, ready to help. The last time I placed a phone order they were out of a certain item I needed, and she kindly referred me to another herb supply company that would have them in stock. Who does that kind of thing, except for a company that has their customer's best interest in mind. The company they referred me to was also friendly with great quality products and fast shipping, so even thier refferals are great. Thanks Horizon Herbs for my 3 years of successfull herb gardening!Company representative comment on April 3, 2011: On Apr 3, 2011 7:32 AM, Horizon Herbs, LLC responded with:
Amy,
Thank you very much for this, we appreciate it more than you can know!
Richo
Positive
Soloray Silver Spring, MD (1 review) March 24, 2011
Horizon Herbs is an excellent source for quality seeds and rare species. Even the so-called "common" varieties are excellent choices. I appreciate their growing tips and insights as well. Additional info, like how to promote health by utilizing plants from the garden, is clear, practical, and useful. I'm always happy to support folks who are close to the source, rather than the corporate giants, and I don't know of anyone closer than HH. Company representative comment on March 24, 2011: On Mar 24, 2011 11:22 AM, Horizon Herbs, LLC responded with:
Soloray,
Thank you very much for this. I first offered seeds from my garden to the public back in 1985 at the Ruch Barter faire, shaking a rattle gourd, my seeds on display resting on a blanket in front of me, chanting prayers, trading for baubles and handmades. I still chant the prayers, but many other things have changed. Horizon Herbs now has a land base and a beautiful seed house, and we are growing fast. In terms of the business world, the "corporate cloud" looms in the near distance. I don't want us to become corporate but how does one keep up with demand without giving in to "corporate tendencies" like a "general manager" that takes care of lots and lots of officious details thereby allowing me time to write and grow seeds? I'm struggling with all this right now. Simply interesting that you brought it up. One thing I've noticed is that when companies make the transition from ma and pop to corporate the quality of their goods tends to go down, and the heart is lost. This is one thing I feel certain about--it will always be about quality, and like you mentioned, it will be about practical and effective tools for realizing self-sufficiency. And, we will never lose the heart. Richo
Horizon Herbs is an excellent resource for interesting herb seeds and information. Thank you Richo Cech and Co. for your gifts and inspiration.Company representative comment on March 21, 2011: On Mar 21, 2011 11:30 AM, Horizon Herbs, LLC responded with:
Thank you, we are working hard to keep it all flowing out to the people, alive seeds and plants for alive gardeners!
Being a serious student of Ayurveda and having a keen interest in gardening, I am so happy that I founf Horizon Herbs!!! They have an amazing selection, staff, great quality plants & seeds, the whole package. I have many plants and trees growing around my property which I acquired frm them. I have been beyond pleased. Horizon has so many hard to get medicinal plants. I really want to grow them all :) Its truly an inspration! They totally rock!! Company representative comment on March 20, 2011: On Mar 20, 2011 8:55 PM, Horizon Herbs, LLC responded with:
Thank you ever so much for your kind comments. Amma says its easier to say something negative than to say something positive so we have to try harder to keep it positive. But you make it sound easy. We sure appreciate it. OMNAMASHIVAYA
Positive
mypalsocrates Memphis, TN (1 review) January 8, 2011
I have been growing ethnobotanicals for twenty years now and when I think of ordering seeds, I always think of HH first.
There is no higher quality source for seeds of our collective human ethnobotanical heritage, in my experience, and I recommend them to anyone that asks where to find herb seeds. Germination rates are always as Richo claims them to be, and the only time I've experienced otherwise has been due to my inattention or to my mix or technique.
I am humored by the negative comments I've seen here at DG. There is always a degree of failure when working with living beings. It's just part of the learning process. I'm appalled at the venomous comments, in fact, especially given the family nature of HH. I will continue to order and learn from Richo and the HH crew as long as I'm able to garden. Thanks for being there, Richo!
Positive
War_on_Food Eugene, OR (1 review) September 29, 2010
I've made 3 orders with Horizon Herbs and I am happy with their service as well as seed quality. On one occasion, I had some credit with them so I told them I was going to the tropics and needed suggestions for some edible and medicinal seeds to bring to share/plant/trade. They were very happy to do the extra work for my custom order. I am pleased and would like to visit the store/nursery some day.Company representative comment on September 29, 2010: On Sep 29, 2010 11:42 AM, Horizon Herbs, LLC responded with:
Thanks for the positive vote! We like to make sure you get what you need, and that it grows for you--we're dedicated!
Richo
I've never purchase anything from Horizon herbs, but they’ve purchased alot from me in the past 5 years; hence, it would be reasonable to assume that if people are happy with their products and services River’s Source Botanicals could be considered some small measure of their success; Unfortunately, the owner, Richo, recently posted a negative report about my business here on Dave's Garden site, saying I a paranoid person suck on some bank address verification system that showed his address as incorrect, and therefore canceled his credit card payment. In truth, I had been canceling his credit card payments for the past 2 years, which he was always good natured about it and sent payment by money order. But now he's unhappy with this arrangement. A review of Horizon herbs ratings here on Dave’s garden site shows he's received more negative reports in the past 6 months than I've received in the past 6 years.
I only want to say that I pray for Richo, he’s a good spirit, and I've heard good things about him. But if he simply believes I'm a paranoid whatever then I doubt my prayers will be heard. Which is sad because we all are stronger united than opposed to each other.
Possibly Richo doesn’t believe that the address he gave as his credit card billing was verified as incorrect; if it makes him happy I’ll allow him access to my online credit card merchant account so he can see for himself that I’m telling him the truth. As well, he’s still free to make payment by check or money order, the same way he’s been doing for the past 2 years. Company representative comment on September 27, 2010: On Sep 27, 2010 1:26 PM, Horizon Herbs, LLC responded with:
Since Phillip hasn't ever purchased anything from Horizon Herbs his comments would have been more appropriately addressed as a rebuttal to the negative vote I gave to River's Source, not a neutral vote here at Horizon Herbs. We were in the habit of purchasing Trichocereus seed from River's Source and have since found another supplier (who grows his own). The ordering process with the new vendor has been friendly, smooth and reliable, so we have moved on and have no further issues.
Positive
HighRockHerbs Mebane, NC (1 review) September 10, 2010
My germination rate with Horizon Herbs has been excellent! I love everything I've ever received from this company. The only time I lost little seedlings is when I forgot to water them. I love Making Plant Medicine by Richo Cech and the Medicinal Herb Grower. Thanks for making so many great herbs available!
Jeannie at highrockfarms.comCompany representative comment on September 11, 2010: On Sep 11, 2010 5:40 AM, Horizon Herbs, LLC responded with:
Thanks Jeannie, we do so much to try to assure people's success in these matters, and we're really glad you've had good results.
As you might imagine, I've heard from a lot of unhappy people over the years when this or that didn't grow for them. (Often its something simple, like Catnip, which comes up everywhere as volunteers but can be quite slow and grudging if you plant it intentionally--just one of those things...) For me, nongermination is not a big deal--since we trial about 100 new species yearly you can be sure we've had plenty of zero germs, so we're used to it, and it just sends us back to the drawing board. But for a lot of folks who are used to planting peas and beans and pride themselves to be green thumbs, nongermination of low germination is an EGO BLOW. I think that's why people get so upset about it--is not because they won't have the plant (although expectations in this direction certainly can cause disappointment), but because nongermination challenges their concept of their own expertise. This is unfortunate, not only because they are unhappy, but because ego blocks learning. For instance, low germ on burdock seeds isn't because the seeds are bad, its because the plant is intelligent. Intelligent because it releases only a portion of its seeds to immediate germination and holds the rest back for germination in ensuing seasons. This is one of the reasons weeds are so successful! Well, that's it for this morning, Jeannie, and wishing you sweet butterfly dreams and a cherry tomato. Richo
aotearoa7 Kaeo, Norhtland New Zealand (1 review) July 31, 2010
I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank Richo & the Horizon Herbs team for their professional & friendly customer service. Any correspondence (via e-mail) was always promptly returned. Being an international customer( I reside in New Zealand), I was aware shipping can be unpredictable, but to my surprise the parcel arrived within a few weeks of dispatching. I entrusted Horizon Herbs in deciding upon postage rate & service provider. There was no problems with postage cost as it was what I would have expected ( I frequently have parcels sent to me from USA).
Seeds, tags & book were packaged with care that I have not experienced with any other seed company both within New Zealand & overseas. It is a privilege to deal with a seed company that is concerned about the future of plant seeds for gardeners worldwide. The journey of seed growing will always have an element of never knowing what will happen, which is part of the excitement & beauty in learning to live within the bounds of Nature. With the love & nurture from those whom grew these seeds to the continuing love in my planting them, I am certain this journey will be a wondrous experience...as those ancestors before us have also shared...
Thank you Richo for giving me the opportunity to purchase & grow these seeds. Aroha from New Zealand Company representative comment on July 31, 2010: On Jul 31, 2010 7:27 AM, Horizon Herbs, LLC responded with:
Posted on June 6, 2010, updated July 19, 2010
I won't buy from Horizon again due to extremely poor germination rates. Seeds from difficult to grow herbs I'll cut some slack on, but Burdock? Sorry, It should be better than 30%. And this year was the worst, Winter Squash? I was surprised to see they had the variety I wanted so I bought some. Horrible germination! On the same propagation table next to Melons from Johnnys, in the same mix, all the melons came up extremely well and hardly any winter squash. Please don't try to tell me that squash is difficult to germinate inside. The seed pack said 96% germ rate. My thought is that their seed storage must be poor.
I'm done with them. Plenty of other sources out there. Sorry.On July 19th, 2010, drono added the following:
My Negative comment here IS worth more than the $6 you would have returned to me. However, the benefit is not mine but to the other market growers that rely on seeds to germinate at reasonable rates when planted. The seed cost does not cover the lost time in waiting for them to sprout (or not), and then order seeds from elsewhere and then wait once again.
Poor germination in this case set me back a month easily.
Luckily the seed I replaced it with came up very well (in pretty much the EXACT CONDITIONS that your's Richo, did not).
Company representative comment on July 22, 2010: On Jul 1, 2010 9:43 AM, Horizon Herbs, LLC responded with:
We store seeds at 60 degrees F and 40% humidity in a dedicated seed storage room that is super insulated and very well organized and clean. If our packet says 96% germ that means that the seed was tested within the past 6 months to 96% germ. We do have a no questions asked replacement policy for zero germ, but perhaps a negative vote here was more satisfying. Richo
On Jul 22, 2010 9:08 AM, Horizon Herbs, LLC added:
OK, whoever you are, may all your future seed plantings give completely satisfactory results! Richo
Posted on July 5, 2009, updated July 1, 2010
I love the variety of herbal seeds! I 've ordered several, along with the hoe down veggie pack, and I've had the best germination rates. Lifeline prices can't be beat! I would definitely recommend this company to anyone interested in growing herbs, and will be ordering from them again.On August 1st, 2009, dirtygyrl added the following:
I have to offer more praise for Horizon Herbs. I ordered some roots and plants, and they all arrived in excellent condition- the same care that's taken in growing them is also applied to shipping them- and that means a lot to the success of plants. I ordered an annual by mistake, so that was my own in experience, and it will probably succumb to frost before it ever matures! I HIGHLY recommend reading Richo's writings before planting anything- I've learned a lot.
I was able to get echinacea (tennessee) seeds to germinate outside in a flat using a method he described....only "stratified" in the fridge for less than a month. I read about cross-pollination of echinacea, so I won't be making the mistake of planting a different species of echinacea next to this native plant.
As he's said, the garden is a good teacher.....but read his writing first to get the low-down on growing herbs. Not only informative, full of experiences, and always the illustrations by his daughter that just make me happy to look at. Can't wait for the new book. Much love and peace to the Czech family!On July 1st, 2010, dirtygyrl added the following:
More praise for Horizon Herbs!!!! Thanks for offering the orgainic cherry tomato seeds "peacevine." They are now doing great!!!! The new catalog for this summer is expanded and put into catagories, making that seed pkt or plant easier to find. The cucumber seeds and zucchini(seeds from last year's hoedown packet) direct seeded well, with excellent germ.
I recently ordered three plants, and am very happy with the way they arrived. Although shipping was pricey ( making me rethink ordering more plants), they arrived in excellent conditon for this time of year. All three were packaged to avoid any damage or shock to the plants.
Thank you for offering so many organic seeds and plants!!!!!
My only wish is that each medicinal seed packet came with very detailed sowing instructions, germ time, etc. These guys aren't easy! Without a greenhouse and lots of garden space to try it out, it can be seed wasted. I'm learning....but more info on packets would be great. Company representative comment on July 1, 2010: On Jul 1, 2010 9:33 AM, Horizon Herbs, LLC responded with:
Dear Dirtygyrl,
Thanks for your positive feedback, we appreciate it a lot!
There's been successful germination on seed packets that have been opened and planted so far. However, be a bit realistic on which seeds you can care and grow for(some maintain specific caring conditions and actions before germinating). Also, some plants are quite lethal. Before considering on planting aconite, I decided to look at the toxicology report. Though it wasn't stated on the seed section of the website, a few pricks from the leaves are quite fatal(threw the seeds away). Other than that,I'll most likely be shopping there for the rarity and variety of the seeds.Company representative comment on April 2, 2011: On Jul 1, 2010 9:36 AM, Horizon Herbs, LLC responded with:
Don't believe everything you read on the internet. Aconite leaves are soft and forgiving--they have no pricks--so the advice that caused you to throw away the seeds was given by someone who hasn't a clue. We always recommend getting advice from folks that have genuine experience. Richo
I am a professional grower of medicinal plants. Horizon Herbs has been my seed provider for more years than I recall. The variety, availablity, quality, and customer service is, and always has been top shelf. I order unusual plants and Maishe (one of the owners), has saved me a lot of money by combining orders, shipping as cheaply as possible. I have had questions and emails answered promptly and have been very pleased with the seeds, plants, books, and myriad gardening products. I recommend this company highly and often to friends, and other herbalists. Go Horizon, Richo and Maishe and all the kids. Thank you for your wonderful seeds, which I have never had a problem germinating. Maybe those folks who complained should read the directions. Some seeds are hard to propigate and take a very long time to germinate. Some seeds need extensive care to germinate. If you read and follow Horizon's directions, you will be as successful as I am. My plants and seeds from Horizon are flourishing.
I came here (Garden Watchdog) to look for a new place to order herb seeds because horizon herb seeds don't grow. They promise everything in the catalog but if nothing comes up? I ordered over a $100 worth of seeds and getting a good crop of spinach and a couple others just does not cover it. I have called and emailed the company and never got any response from them. Company representative comment on July 1, 2010: On Jul 1, 2010 9:39 AM, Horizon Herbs, LLC responded with:
That's pretty shocking that anyone would e-mail and call us and not get a response--we have a dedicated group of customer service folks who are on the phone and computer all day answering questions, taking orders, etc. Good results with easy germinators and poor results with complex germinators means more effort needs to be put into finding the exact requirements of difficult germinators. Like my teacher always told me when I failed, "keep going." Richo
There are a large number of people out there that claim to love what they do, but after emailing Richo several times and placing several orders with him, I truly believe that Richo is one of them. When he speaks about the plants and how to grow them, he cares for them and he cares for my success with them. I have ordered medicinal herbs, organic seeds, and his book. The book offers a lot of information but it provides all of it in parables with light hearted humor which is very easy to read. The orders have always been delivered quickly and accurately to the last detail. When planning my seed purchases, this is the first place I look for herb and medicinal seeds.
The elderberry plants are coming along nicely, the instructions worked perfectly, thanks again.
My youngest son has also contacted Richo to obtain growing instructions and seeds to grow his own chicory and eucalyptus plants from seed. So it is a family affair.
Positive
VORTREKER POTTSBORO, TX (Zone 7b) (4 reviews) May 5, 2010
This company deserves our business. It is "Tops"
Positive
Missyinbama Fredericksburg, VI (Zone 7a) (34 reviews) May 3, 2010
What a great selection! I ordered so much on my first order that it took me a few weekends to start all the seed... I just have to order more! I'm just afraid I'll run out of room. The catalog is outstanding, but I think the web site may have more up to date listings on what is in stock. I will be coming back for more.
I placed my first order from Horizon Herbs this year. I had heard a bit about them from an associate. I placed a large order and eagerly awaited my seeds. Since I'm from Canada I expected problems with shipping, but had none. Parcel arrived quickly and complete. Due to late spring and severe drought last year I was unable to save any of my own seed so was desperate for good seed. Horizon Herb seeds came up quickly, strongly and with a good %. Very impressed! When I had a question on a Sunday I emailed them, not expecting a response for a few days. Very surprised when Rico himself emailed back within 2 hours. You can't get any better than that! Strongly recommend to others.
Posted on April 15, 2010, updated April 22, 2010
I wish I experienced the great customer service that the other posters described. I placed an order with Horizon for seeds and plants with on April 7. Several days went by without any response from the company and my cc was never charged. I tried contacting the Horizon both by phone and email; providing both several ways to contact me (phone, email, etc) and providing their order # so that they could update me on the status of this order - I wasnt particularlly in a hurry - but with no response, I wanted to be sure that my order was received and my cc information was secure. Nearly a week has gone by and Horizon has not responded to any of my calls or emails. Yesterday I gave on them - I placed a new order last night with a similar company via Amazon.com - and rec'd an email this morning saying my items were already in the mail. This is bad customer service...On April 22nd, 2010, mattm102 changed the rating from negative to neutral and added the following:
Quick update: After posting, I rec'd a phone call from Richo who explained that individual who handles web inquiries had been ill and apologized that no one responded to my phone call / email. He provided an expected ship date and offered to cancel the order if I was no longer interested. I went ahead with the order - Richo then emailed me again a few days later with tracking numbers and some care instructions to help the plants recover from the shipping stress. Thanks guys!Company representative comment on July 5, 2010: On Jul 5, 2010 7:25 AM, Horizon Herbs, LLC responded with:
The customer failed to give us his e-mail when ordering online, which meant he couldn't be contacted. Please everyone remember to give us your e-mail address!
I recently ordered from Horizon Herbs for the first time after reading the great feedback the company received on this site and browsing their amazing selection of herbs in their online catalog. After ordering, I received a cordial email from Richo Cech explaining that they were swamped with orders so I would receive my seeds in two weeks time - however I actually received my seeds in less than a week! Plus, he threw in a free packet of pepper seeds that he recommended. I am thrilled with this company so far! The wide selection of herbs alone got me hooked to begin with, but the fact that the quality of their service is outstanding only makes me love the company even more. I highly recommend Horizon Herbs.
Positive
LindaTX8 NE Medina Co., TX (Zone 8a) (4 reviews) March 12, 2010
Horizon Herbs is a fantastic company I wish I'd found earlier, ordered from them this winter. Some of their medicinal herbs are extremely hard to find elsewhere. They send more seeds than is listed on the package, often way more, they are reliable, packets are professional looking, and so far the seed germination on the ones I've planted are good!
I have ordered from Horizon Herbs for many years. They have always sent me Quality Plants and Seeds. Every time I have ordered from them the plants are beautiful and very healthy. I don't go anywhere else for my quality medicinal plants or seed stock. I recently just ordered some cactus grandiflorous and anemone pulsatilla plants and again just beautiful and quick to answer any of my questions.......I will be ordering again soon. Thanks to them we will be able to save our medicinal herbs and grow them ourselves. Horizon Herbs thanks for all that you do.
Positive
treehugggr New Port Richey, FL (Zone 9b) (6 reviews) January 25, 2010
Posted on September 10, 2008, updated January 25, 2010
Been a Horizon fanatic for 5+ years now...
I am utterly EXTATIC about Horizon Herbs! They are a family-run, American small business that uphold all the morals and virtues of organic gardening, bio-ethics, and ethical business practice.
I have had the pleasure of speaking to Richo on occasion. Once I wrote an email with questions about two plants. I expected an email reply, but instead, I received an email AND a phone call! In this passing week Richo made accomodations to fill an order of two live plants, even though they were technically unavailable/out-of-season.
My seeds come viable and result in success, my plants come healthy, and my inquiries are ALWAYS sufficiently addressed.
They promote organics, bio-diversity, recycling/composting, and natural healing. The girls in the office are cool peeps who dont mind bs-ing with you on the phone. These are real people, folks! The catalog itself is a textbook for beginners and experienced growers. Horizon Herbs is a model for small American business.
Im sure they are good at problem resolution, but I wouldn't know! :]
Thank you, Horizon for serving me and my family so well! Thank you Daves Garden for providing this priceless forum.On December 30th, 2008, treehugggr added the following:
Today, I ordered several species of hard-to-find plant seeds, at quite reasonable prices. I met Rebecca (sp) on the phone today. She is sweet and patient, and graciously put up with my meticulous details.
As stated in my previous comment, Im an extatic fanatic! A Horizon fanatic, yes, and a Richo fanatic. As a child, I idolized Metallica and Motley Crue. Now, this 29-year-old kid puts activists like Richo on the pedestal.
Last week, I called for advice on a very picky, stubborn plant that few people have ever heard of, knowing that Horizon Herbs (and 99.9781% of all others) does not and will not carry it, yet knowing that Richo may have some experince with it. In all his busy-ness, he answered the phone! I recieved not what Id call advice (that's a boring, stiff word for lawyers), but ground-shaking Wisdom from the heart. You wont understand this but, because of Richo's wisdom and my new enlightened-ment, I hung up the phone as a changed man. No, really.
How do I illustrate the necessity of FAMILY-run business? Sena, his daughter, answers my calls and asks how my little boy is!
How do I express the need for more folks to get dirty in the garden with our children, and grandchildren? Will we get back to our roots, or self-destruct in the main stream? Richo says,"As a way of fueling the rising up of a green, self-sufficient and non-violent revolution, lets grow the seeds of our children's future in our gardens NOW and teach by example. Please join us, beautiful people, in planting diverse open-pollinated and organic seeds."
By patronizing Horizon, and sewing the seeds, and using the plants' products in your home, you too are activists!
With the existance of Horizon, and the Wise, kind words of Richo, I am not just a gardener, I am my family's own grocer, apothecary, and healer. And Im an activist.
ps, Horizon is not just Richo, it is a living entity that is a cooperative effort of kind, knowledgeable, and eco-responsible folks. They all make me happy!
ps again, I was not paid or prompted to write this :]
Namaste! On January 25th, 2010, treehugggr added the following:
Hey, I just got my big box o' seeds from Horizon today. Like always, I am happy with everything.
After reading some dark entities' comments here, I wanna step in and say I am a-ok with the shipping price; even more-so this time. The Horizon kids pack everything in a sturdy box, and everything is well padded with recyclable/worm-feedable materials. This is more important today, than with any other shipment thus far. My local post office has a knack for shredding mail and smashing boxes, just like Ace Venture in that movie. Had they shipped in any less of a box, my roots would have been broken, and the seeds likely ground to dust.
I don't know what more to say. I guess there is nothing more to say, since their name and reputation, here, and everywhere, speaks for themselves.
To fulfill my vision of this year's gardens and crops, I will be make at least two more $100 seed orders, exclusively Horizon Herbs. Horizon is my first, second, and third choice for seed source.
Funny side-note: "Horizon" and "Richo" are literally household words here. I am never NOT talking plants, gardens and botany with people, and Horizon-subjects usually make their way into the conversation. Whenever presented with a plant question that I can't answer, some of my smart-azz friends will strike with, "Well, why don't you go ask Richo!"
<3 Neal
Positive
kirsten13 Philo, IL (Zone 5b) (1 review) January 19, 2010
Horizon Herbs is a worldly plant lover's first checked and oft browsed website. The company is the real deal when it comes to ethnobotanical medicinal plants- Richo, the head honcho of the company, makes trips to many different countries to learn their people's wisdom when it comes to traditional plant medicine. He does this work himself, and not only knows the tradition behind the plants, but also of the important task of how to go about growing them. Sometimes the seeds need special care, or growing conditions, so reading up on the plants before you place your order is a must. I don't know about you, but I do enjoy a challenge sometimes. Instructions are often included on each "product description" page, and if a person still is not clear on what to do with a seed, an email to the company will be returned with further instruction.
This is a company that responds to their emails. If you ask, you will get an answer in a reasonable amount of time. I also look forward to the newsletters Richo and Co send out, many times it's about his travels and what goes on when he's on his missions, and sometimes it's great writing on love for plants, family and life in general, something I think everyone who gardens greatly appreciates reading. Definitely sign up for the mailing list! If you find you enjoy his writing, he's written books on both making and growing medicinal plants which are really the best books I've found on making plant medicine, RIFYL James Green :D He's also involved with United Plant Savers which is pretty spiffy.
Even if you're not a person who's interested in "straaaaange" and unusual things, (My husband, however loves weird things and is SO STOKED we will have Mandrake Men in the near future) they've still got the staples, organically grown with love. There's a lifeline collection of food seeds with all the things you'd want to eat out of your garden at a very reasonable price, as well as several other sets with the intention of use for an herb garden, as a kids garden, and many other sorts of themed seed packet sets. Goooood stuff Maynard!
I really cannot say enough good things about this company.
Kirsten Spitzner
:D
Positive
plcamp Benevento Italy (1 review) January 17, 2010
A great company: kind and reliable people, always very attentive to providing high quality seeds. Their catalogue is one of the largest I've seen on the Internet. And, last but not least, they are really very patient :-))) Shipping seeds to Italy is not the easiest thing to do, so moving parcels back and forth is not that unusual...
It's my preferred seeds provider since the last 5-6 years.
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