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Placed an order 8 Sept, must say my order included some seeds of the same genus that I am just now harvesting myself. Arrived 26 October complete, and with 2 extra packets of seeds. I have no dog in this fight, but it seemed like a reasonably nice transaction.
Ordering my seeds from this company only already for some years. Great selection, good prices, always some free seeds extra and good germination.
9 out of 10 complains about this company are the delivery time and they are right. It takes ages (up to 2 months), but all my orders arrived on the end.
If you've a lot of patience it's not a bad thing to order here.
On Jan 12, 2009, dmcdevitt Schroon Lake, NY (Zone 4a) wrote:
I placed my order online, received a receipt for payment, and the seeds arrived fine. I guess since I placed the order in late summer and wasn't planning on planting until now, I didn't really keep track of exactly how long it took, but it didn't seem unreasonable.
I'm glad I didn't read the feedback before ordering.
I thought the prices were very reasonable and the selection good. I'll update with germination info, as the seeds are planted now.
On Dec 23, 2008, hummer_girl Saint Louis, MO (Zone 6a) wrote:
I placed my first order with Specialty Perennials in January 2008. It took nearly a month for the seeds to arrive. I had a few anguish moments after I discovered this website and read the reviews, but in the end the company delivered what I paid for, and the seeds germinated. I placed a second order in November 2008 and the seeds arrived in about 10 days. They add free seed packets to the orders; they offer hard to find seeds; the seeds I've tested/grown are quality, so I will order from them again with the understanding I need to be patient waiting for delivery and not to order anything I need right away.
I have ordered from Specialty Perennials three times this fall. I received an e-mail confirming each order after I placed it and an e-mail notifying me when each order was shipped. I received all three orders within a couple of weeks of ordering. I am very happy with the company so far. I am glad everything worked out well, because they have a pretty stunning list of perennial seeds.
I ordered from Specialty Perennials on 10/19/08, before seeing this site's feedback. I didn't find the feedback (stupid mistake I know) until I tried to contact Specialty Perennials about my order, on 10/21/08. I wanted to add to my order. I tried to call but the number was disconnected. I then emailed, stating that I wanted to add to my order, if it had not yet shipped. That email was never replied to. On 10/23/08, I contacted my credit card company, assuming that I would never receive my seeds. That same day, 10/23/08, I received an email from Paul stating my order had shipped. After reading these posts, I was suspicious and figured the shipping notification was bogus. On 10/29/08, I received my seeds. I ordered nine packs and received ten. The free seeds are a fantastic variety, matching the others in the order. On 10/21/08, I ordered seeds from a variety of other sites to quickly obtain the varieties I had ordered from Specialty Perennials. Most of the orders, in this now expensive mess I'd created for myself, arrived around 10/29/08. In all but one seed pack, Specialty Perennials sent substantially much more seed for far less cost. Although customer service is nil, I would order from them again and factor in enough time to receive the seeds well before I needed them, perhaps only ordering during the fall and winter. Many sites were out of the seed I wanted. The quantity received was more then expected, prices are very reasonable and selection is awesome. For me, this all made up for the lack of communication. I guess I am also happy that my seeds actually shipped. I probably would not have purchased from Specialty Perennials after reading the posts here, but I am happy with my order and will order from them again; if they have a seed that no one else has without expecting any communication.
I have ordered twice. The first time at Dec. 31,2007 and obtained all I have ordered about 6 weeks later with many additional seeds.
The second time I have ordered at March 27,2008. The seeds were sent to me at April 21. all of it's best.
Many thanks to Paul, once more.
I say positive because my seeds are finally in front of me. It was a definite negative during my very long (and painful) wait. I began to think I'd been duped. I placed my order on Jan. 28, 2008. By mid February I started sending e-mails that got zero response. One day when the weather nixed my garden puttering, I did some browsing on line and came upon this website. (I'm a newbie here.) I was so relieved to hear similar testimonials. I called Harvy, left a message. He promptly called me back and gave the familiar platitudes, but he was so nice I couldn't be mad. Gardeners don't get mad, do they? The next day I got THE long awaited e-mail. "Your order has shipped." Four days later voila, seeds! I also received bonus seed but it wasn't for petunias or some other banal leftovers (sorry), it was more packets of the things I ordered. After pondering, I'm not sorry for trusting SP. My advice: Be prepared to wait and nag. Harvy doesn't seem to mind. Now, I've got to get busy.
positive, but nervous.
I placed an order 4 weeks ago, recieved an order confimation email and my account was charged. Haven't heard anything yet but I really loved the selection of seeds on their site (especially dianthus!), so I hope everything goes well with my order. Will update upon receiving order...
Placed seed order 01-08-08 and received them today 01-18-08, nicely packaged. Additionally, I received an e-mail from them several days ago indicating the order had been shipped.
This was one of a few vendors who offered seed of one of the varieties I ordered.
Would order again from them assuming germination rate is good.
On Dec 18, 2007, timeinabottle Louisville, KY wrote:
I have just recieved my second shipment of seeds from Specialty perennials, and on both occassions I have been
very pleased.
They had some problems with their computers recently and had to search for my order , but then they sent them right along. They are a source for seeds that can be found no where else.
On Sep 22, 2007, gloriag Floyd, VA (Zone 6b) wrote:
Specialty Plants has a tremendous variety of seeds. I have dealt with them for several years, and I love the varieties.
Today I received my order for primrose and campanulas; it was delivered promptly and they even included about three extra. I will make a second order shortly so that I will be ready for winter sowing. The prices are low compared to some catalog companies. I really appreciate that too.
On May 30th, 2009, gloriag added the following:
I ordered only a few days ago. Specialty Perennials immediately acknowledged my order and shipped it within a couple of days.
They even included extra seeds which were right along the same line of seeds that I had ordered. I cannot say enough for their amazing range of seeds offered. I have only good things to say about them.
I placed an order on the 4th Of this month and received an email confirming that my seeds were shipped on the 13th and received my seeds today (20th)
The packageing and labeling was awesome and I loved the seed selection that was offered. I placed an order with this company last year and had a fantastic germination rate.
I give Specialty Perennials a very positive feedback. I am very pleased with my order and I will order again.
On Apr 20, 2007, karenhane Manchester, CT (Zone 5a) wrote:
very positive! i ordered seeds on 3/31. a couple weeks later i got an email stating the company was very sorry for the delay in sending the seeds. they also stated they would send extra seeds and additional seeds along with my order. everything was packaged nice and tidy with planting instructions on each little package. i cannot vouch for the germination as i have yet to plant them, but the service is great and this company has seeds i have not seen else where.
On Mar 21, 2007, Erynne Ontario Canada (Zone 5a) wrote:
I have placed 2 orders with this company in the past year and have had no problems with their seeds with regards to germination. The shipping took 2-3 weeks each time but I expected this as I am in Canada. I love the selection of seeds that they carry and the prices are very reasonable. They included bonus packs with each of my orders which I thought was very nice. I will definitely place more orders with them in the future.
On Mar 15, 2007, podster Deep East Texas, TX (Zone 8a) wrote:
Order placed 2/28 and rec'd 3/15... I was a little impatient to receive as our growing season begins earlier but realized this company was under blizzard conditions during a portion of this time.
I was well pleased to find my order as shipped, nicely packed and info included. They have an easy to navigate website and a varied selection of plants. I would shop again... pod
On Jan 10, 2007, JodyC Palmyra, IL (Zone 5b) wrote:
I sent out for 3 packs of seed about 10 days ago...I received today..I also received a bonus and growing instructions..I'm Very satisfied with the order...I will be back...:-)
On Jul 4, 2006, tiffanya Sumner, WA (Zone 8a) wrote:
Order arrived within 3 weeks of order placement. Three violas were not in stock, but a cash refund was included with the remainder of the seeds (value $7.65 / refund $8.00). The seeds are well-packaged and came with detailed planting/germination instructions. Easy online shopping experience.
On Feb 17, 2006, tabasco Cincinnati (Anderson Twp), OH (Zone 6a) wrote:
Six days ago I placed an $40 order for a variety of seeds which were difficult to locate on other websites. The next day I realized I had mis-ordered 3 selections and sent an e-mail to correct my error. Today all the seed packets arrived just as I had hoped, along with three gift packets of seeds and a planting instruction sheet for my hard to germinate seeds.
Although the seed amounts per packet do not appear to be over abundant, there are more than enough for my needs and the prices were easy on the pocketbook.
I wanted to try 'Specialty Perennials' despite their less than stellar GW rating, because of their wide range of offerings, fair prices, and easy to navigate website. Providing I have respectable germination from these seeds, I will definitely order again.
On March 10th, 2008, tabasco added the following:
Well, I ordered from Specialty Perennials again 2/14/08, nine packets of campanulas and digitalis to wintersow. After two emails and one phone call (to Harvey) I received a response (from son Paul) and my envelope of $22 worth of seeds and four complimentary packets today.
I like Specialty Perennials because it is a small operation that strives to offer seeds that the big boys don't want to carry, but it is so frustrating to have such slow service from Harvey and Paul. I wish they would hire an organized helper to get the seeds packaged and in the mail in a timely fashion. I know more gardeners would order from them if they could complete the orders in a reasonable time frame.
So, my saga is not complete, yet. Being ever optimistic, I placed an order February 26 for $40. worth of seeds and they have yet to arrive, despite my email pleas for them, too.
I am holding at a 'positive' rating for sentimental reasons, but I could easily be swayed in the wrong direction with a bad experience with this last order! Let's see what happens.
On Dec 12, 2005, jday4444 Southwest, WI (Zone 4b) wrote:
I ordered last year and had great germination. They have an excellent selection of perennial seed. I ordered and had the seeds within a couple of weeks. Good, quick service. I'll order again.
I ordered online and received an email about my order very fast. I received my order in less than two weeks. The seeds are packaged nicely, look fine, and instructions are very good. I've just planted my first seedlings so I can't say how well they germinate at this time. They have a great selection of seeds and the only company I could find that had most of what I was looking for. Also, an easy site to navigate.
On Dec 29, 2004, Janna Mahwah, NJ (Zone 6a) wrote:
I placed the order online and seeds arrived in less than a week. Great prices, generous amounts of seeds in the envelopes, and precise germination info on each individual species, unlike some other very general ones I've seen - "in spring put seeds in the soil and water well". I am very pleased with my seed order and can't wait to start sowing! Definitely will order next year.
On Feb 29, 2004, Laura_Ben McLean, VA (Zone 7a) wrote:
We ordered some seeds from Specialty Perennials. Unlike the other place we looked at, we were able to get all the species we were looking for in their website. It took about five days to process our order. Each seed packet came with a label with concise information on germination. They also included some general information on separate sheets of paper on seed germination. More information about the plant and seed is available on their website.
Because one of the species we ordered was temporarily out of stock, they gave us three gift packets for the wait. We liked their service too. We communicated through email, and they responded promptly.
We will definitely order from them again in the future.
I heard good things about Specialty Perennials, and decided to have a look at the website. The selection of seeds is enough to keep me happy for a very long time. There are many uncommon species and varieties, all in one place.
After receiving a bonus packet with my order of five packets of seeds, I went back to the website for more information about this unexpected variety. There were already new items in the online catalog. Enough to make me want to come back and browse.
The prices are reasonable, and you always know how many seeds you will receive. I love the flat rate for shipping & handling on seed orders.
Seeds are listed by botanical name, which I prefer. Most items have a description, some even have a photo. A few only have the species name (and variety, if applicable). As hardiness range and growing information is easily available from a search engine, this is only a small inconvenience.
I wonder why the company bothers with two names (Specialty Perennials and Hardy Plants) when both are available from the same website. I'm definitely going to order from them again.
I recently ordered seeds from this company for the first time. They arrived in a timely manner with good labeling and appropriate information on the packages. Also, I was sent a free packet of a perennial that I'm glad to have. I will order from this company again. I also find their website most entertaining and informative.
On Nov 11, 2003, zone3_newbie North Tonawanda, NY (Zone 3a) wrote:
I have ordered seeds from them twice and was happy with the prices, selection and service. Yes, it can take awhile for the seeds to arrive. If you are in a hurry, this may not be the best option for you. I think this is a small operation and one can only do so much in a day. They have a great selection at great prices and for me, it's well worth any wait.
I had a question about availability of alcea ficifolia, and Mr. Paul Henstrum answered in detail and very quickly, too. It made me feel that if I did have a problem, they would work with me to solve it.
The seed was very clean and well-packed, and a logical substitution was made for a variety they were out of. I like dealing with this company and will come back again and again.
Very quick service. I placed an order online on Wednesday night, and received the seeds Saturday morning. They offer small quantities of seeds for reasonable prices, making it easier to try some unusual seeds. I'll know in a few months how well they germinate. So far I like this company.
