Comments regarding Stokes Seeds

I bought from Stokes for years. Good products and good service. I had lots of success with their seeds. When they went online, I discovered that this Canadian company was charging Canadians more than Americans for the same product. That is, if you calculated the currency exchange, a Canadian was paying substantially more in U.S. dollars, than an American. I contacted Stokes and asked why they did not use normal currency exchange rates and was told that it costs more to do business in Canada. I replied to Stokes that U.S. consumers are not in the habit of subsidizing Canadians and that I am certainly in no position to boost Stokes' American market base. I know of no other company that has a similar policy.

I ordered from Stokes despite some pretty large misgivings. I refuse to give them a negative rating though I was unhappy with the way things went, because I did order during their free shipping event, which I acknowledge must have been hectic (more on that in a bit). It did however take a very long time, with the status of my order changing many times of the several weeks it took to even ship.

Long dull story short, customer service was slow and a bit dishonest- their version of events did not line-up with the dates actually on the packing slips and the "ordered on" date didn't even match the date I ordered online, telling me they must have gotten pretty far behind. So I'm guessing my three week wait for this order is probably not the norm.

However, it does raise my issue with them. Hey Stokes, you know WHY you got so backlogged that day? Because everyone was waiting for free shipping day because your shipping prices are outrageous!

I really feel like not only do they mostly cater to commercial sellers, they actively don't want the money of someone like me, a home gardener, with their totally cost prohibitive shipping fees. With the other seed sites I visit becoming MORE competitive with shipping costs they seem firmly decided to stick with charges that are 200% more than the average. I just can't justify that, even if they do have some unusual seeds.

So again, it's just clear they don't want people like me as a customer. They want big bulk buyers who can justify that kind of cost. That's fine. Just like I understand the shipping snafu, I don't think this is enough for a negative review. It's just enough to say I don't think I'll be a returning customer.

I Have ordered seeds from STOKES USA for past 10 years or so.My experience and rating is this.ABSOLUTELY EXCELLENT.The seeds I have ordered over the years have had outstanding germination rates.
Just last week I was checking my old seed packets and I was about to throw away some old seeds from STOKES- ZINNIA new seed pack 2008 and SWEET SULTAN new seed pack 2012. and SALPIGLOSSIS also new 2012.
Even though they were 5 years old and almost 10 years for ZINNIA I decided to give them a try and this week after some soft rain they surprised me totally by germinating.
Even some of my old STOKES seeds that I have opened a few years back seem to germinate for at least a couple of years.
What does this tell me that STOKES uses only fresh seeds and when they seal the seeds in their seed packs they do an outstanding job and that there is no moisture or infections such as fungus or other.
SO my final rating is out of 100 points and compared to other seed companies STOKES is the probably the best of all.
For example compared to BURPEE and companies that dont seal their seeds in ALUMINUM foil their seeds rarely make it past a year.
My only 2 disappointments is that I never see their seeds on sale which may be a good thing as they probably just get rid of their old seeds.
Second disappointment is they dont have wider variety of seeds but STOKES covers most of the popular seeds.
I can only rave about STOKES SEEDS.In my opinion they are the best.MAYBE a little bit pricey but germinating years later it is worth the extra cost.
I also like their growing tips on the seed packets as they are very helpful in getting the seeds to germinate.
DANIEL danngood1945@gmail.com

I have been purchasing Stokes seeds for several years. the service is always fast, accurate & the products are superlative...! I will continue to buy from them as time goes on!

I have ordered seeds and garden supplies from Stokes for several years. My 2015 order was shipped very fast even though my order was made in February and most of it wouldn't be planted until May (The poor UPS driver had to park at the road and wade through the snowbanks in my long farm laneway). Good email notices. I like how their catalogue gives detailed information about disease resistance. I have a terrible time with powdery mildew - so my luck with cucumbers has really improved by buying more resistant varieties.

I have ordered from this company for several years but have never mentioned the great service, very reasonable prices and high germination rates. I realized it when I recommended them to a friend on Dave's. I have been very happy with them.

This was my first order from Stokes. They had vegetable varieties that were not available from my regular suppliers. Service was excellent. Prompt shipping and excellent packaging.

Posted on February 13, 2012, updated November 16, 2014
Last year there was a discrepancy between the printed catalogue and the package about whether or not a Kong sunflower would produce seeds. At the end of the season the plants and flowers were magnificent but I didn't see any seed in the flower heads so complained to Stokes. Then when taking down the plants, there the seeds were under a sort of covering that had to be brushed off. I phoned Stokes to apologize and they told me they had already sent me a package of other sunflowers to try .(The package arrived the next day!)

The seeds I have got from them have always sprouted and grown with vigor, their customer service is superb in my experience, and they do NOT carry any GMO seed. Vilmorin announced that this year they will start to deal in GMO seeds and many smaller outfits may well get some of their seed there. You need to check if you want organic seed though, most of Stokes' stuff is geared to commercial growers, i.e grown with chemicals, although they do also carry organic seed. I definitely recommend checking them out.

Posted on November 12, 2012, updated November 29, 2013
I think it’s probably just human nature that we tend to post comments about vendors when we have a problem with them. I certainly have done so here in the past. But when I put together my list of recommended seed suppliers for a Senior Gardening posting this year, I realized that I should make a positive comment here about each of our suppliers that have performed so well over the years.

We’ve used Stokes Seeds as one of our two or three main garden seed suppliers for over twenty years. They provide good to exceptional quality seed (in terms of germination) in a time when other suppliers appear to be cutting corners on seed quality.

An example of Stokes good customer service for us was when we ordered and received a GardenWatchCamera from them several years ago with the essential base plate missing. When I called to report the problem, I was a bit pushy in insisting they open the box before shipping a replacement to ensure the base plate was there. When the replacement arrived, sure enough, they’d opened the box and checked...leaving me a note they’d done so.

//www.senior-gardening.com/features/suppliers.html

I have no idea why anyone would think $6.95 is a high rate for a shipping fee, they haven't raised that rate in years, I have dealt with Stokes Seeds over 25 years, they are still the freshest more reliable seeds, I used to grow over 5 acres of pumpkins for market, never had a problem with their seeds, service or fees, awesome company to deal with.

I love of the huge variety of flower seeds they offer.

Been ordering form Stokes year after year. Never had a bad order....touch......dirt : )

They offer such a vast variety of unusual seeds. Fulfillment very, very prompt. Will continue to be a customer.

This company has been around for years but I don't recall ever having ordered from them before.This year I gave them a try after visiting their website and reading the meticulous information given for almost all the seed they sell.I ordered seed of brachycome,ursinia and catananche and received large,generous packets of each.Germination was excellent. Their website makes fascinating reading and they have a great selection.I'm sorry I didn't order more than I did.

Seed order arrived very quickly. Good variety of seeds to pick from but I feel their shipping costs are a little pricey. Other than that I have no complaints.

I think the seeds are somewhat pricey -- probably, in part, due to the size of the packets they offer. Their packets, in general, contain many more seeds than those from other catalogues. A small nursery could manage on the amount of plants one can grow from a packet of Stokes' seeds. So perhaps their offerings are not for the 'micro' or very small home gardener. That said, their offerings are excellent -- they have a huge selection of petunia seed, as well as marigolds and impatiens. Same with the vegetables. I ordered Durango mixed marigold seeds about 4 years ago. I'm still planting that seed these years later with excellent germination results. I think every seed from Stokes germinates -- the rates are amazing. The catalogue is very nice as well. They have become a regular supplier for me.

Ordered carnation seeds & they arrived in 5 days..Confirmation of order was received via email when order was received as well as when it was shipped..
Will be starting the carnations indoors after seeds harden in freezer for 5 -7 days as instructed...

1.) I filled out a long list of items for my cart, on-line. When I got to the end (even tho it provided an order #) my cart was EMPTY. I just wasted about 2 hours.
2.) I called, and spoke to a very nice person (in their Canadian office) who helped me RE-ORDER everything on my list. Wasted another hour.
3.) The seeds arrived a few days later......didn't realize that most were treated with pesticide, and the directions called for using more pesticide during the growth stage.
4.) Also, they are set up more for professional growers, then the home gardener. It makes the directions a bit annoying when all I want to know is how to start seeds in a growth flat I bought at WalMart.

I ordered and received seeds from Stokes in a very timely manner. They have such a large choice of petunias with all the new varieties out. I will order again for other categories also.

Stokes has the most comprehensive information on growing their seeds/plants anywhere. Excellent information in their catalog and even greater detail on the individual seed packets. They have one of if not the largest selections of seed varieties available including many commercial varieties that are not always available to home gardeners through other companies.

I would also rate their customer service as excellent. I ordered seed online, received confirmation e-mails as the order progressed through their company and confirmation of shipment. My seeds were waiting for me exactly 7 calendar days after ordering. I ordered seed from three other companies the same day and none of those orders have even been shipped yet (reviews for those companies will follow).

I have used Stokes' catalog for years as a reference, but this was my first order and will probably be the only company I order my vegetables from in the future.

Stokes catalog is very informative with a wide selection & quality seed. Their service was good. My neutral rating is caused by the fact that most of the seed is treated. While some folks prefer this, I do not. This fact does not seem to be mentioned in the catalog in a manner for the customer to make a decision. The treated seed issue is the ONLY reason for not posting a positive rating.

I have been ordering seeds from Stokes for close to twenty years. I have NEVER had a problem. The detailed growing instuctions on the packet are very informative. There may be seed houses as good as Stokes but none better.

I ordered salvia and lobelia seeds and a few supplies this past winter. Delivery was prompt and I had extremely good germination rates. I like the wide selection and would definitely order from this company again.

I pulled several herb seed packets out of the refrigerator that were well past due. I just tossed them in garden boxes to see what would happen and it was unbelievable! It looked like every seed germinated within a short period of time and the herbs were beautiful until the Texas heat got to them. Definitely recommend Stokes seeds!

Absolutely love this company. Have ordered a variety of flower seeds from them over the past few years and have never been disappointed. The large packet size is nice, and the option to purchase grower-quantity sizes is great, for example being able to order ounces of different sunflower seeds for a sunflower garden.
Germination is always excellent and the plants have always been outstanding.
I particularly appreciate the very detailed sowing/growing instructions. It allows me to try new and unusual flowers from seed, that I would not have had success with, without the helpful directions!

I searched several seed companies to find gourd seeds. I finally came across Stokes and they had the most variety!
I could finally order the bulk of the specialty gourd seeds from one place and at a reasonable price. (Some of the seeds I was searching for seemed only available thru the National Gourd Society and their members.)

Thank you Stokes!

Will update when seeds arrive and as they germinate and grow.

Lee

STOKES IS THE TOP OF THE LINE SEED COMPANY. FOR YEARS I HAVE HAD EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE. SHIPPING,SEED VARIETY,GERMINATION,CUSTOMER SERVICE,MORE SEED FOR LESS, SOME OF THE BEST GARDENS I HAVE HAD ARE FROM STOKE SEED. STOKE CATALOGS ARE A TREASURE TROVE OF PLANTING TIPS AND INFORMATION TO ENSURE SUCCESSFULL SEEDINGS. NO OTHER SEED CATALOGS COMPARE!!!

I wanted to take a few moments out of my busy seed starting day to praise Stokes on the customer service I received. I placed an order with them, and granted it wasn't huge, but I had my seeds within a week. With the exception of one packet that was on back order....no big deal really, but now we are getting down to it, and I needed to know if I should order something different for my yard.

I sent an e-mail asking about the backorder, and got a really fast response telling me what was going on with my order....and this morning, 3 different e-mails, all about the progress of my order.

Gardeners on a whole are a pretty forgiving bunch I think, but when customers service goes above and beyond, the company earns our business. Thank you Stokes for a job well done!

Stokes is a semi-local company for me, with their US warehouse about ten miles away and their headquarters in Canada within easy reach. They have excellent seeds with great germination and are to be recommended in every way -- fast service, decent and comprehensive selection and amazing cultural information, both in their catalog and on the seed packets. Mystery seeds are unlikely from them. I highly recommend their products. The one time I had an issue, I got a letter of explanation from their CEO and a no-questions-asked refund (even though the seeds were not really defective). I've bought from them for over 20 years.
Buy from them with confidence.

One of the best things is the comprehensive list of instructions on the back of the packages. I've followed them closely, with what I consider 100% success. All seeds had a high germination rate, and performed in the garden as illustrated. I always recommend Stokes if asked about my beautiful flower beds.

Sent an order in on January 21, 2008, recieved February 2, 2008. In that order there were 2 packages of pelargonium, (geraniums) that I planted on February 11. Out of 41 seeds, I already have 36 that have germinated. I think that's pretty good. I will be ordering from them again in the future.

I have ordered from Stokes for three years in a row because they have a good product and excellent customer service. They offer a large selection of seeds sold in individual color packets so I can order the exact colors I want and not just a pack of mixed. In addition, most seeds can be ordered in quantities ranging from small up to bulk. Their seeds have excellent germination and are shipped promptly with email notification of order status. All in all a great company.

Great service from this company. Seeds were shipped quickly and arrived quickly. Prices and shipping costs are very reasonable. They had several varieties I was having trouble finding, so I was very happy to find them here.

I've been ordering seeds from this company since the eighties. I like them primarily because they offer some unusual varieties (at very reasonable prices), and they have a very informative catalog, especially if you are growing in the north. For years they were one of the only companies that had unusual sweet peppers, esp. pimento types, which I favor. Pretty much every color of pansy and petunia as well.

Yes, their website used to be wiggy, but they seem to have resolved that.

I have been ordering seeds from stokes for several years. Service and shipping is excellent. They have many seeds in larger quanties at very reasonable prices. The pelleted seed makes planting a breeze. The information in Stokes catolog makes it a great reference source. I highly reccomend this company.

in Thorold, Ontario, Canada.
+ Positive, 2 greenthumbs up for this seed company!

I’ve been ordering seeds from this company for many years now and I’ve never had a problem with their products.

Good selection, always something new, reasonable prices, good quality, informative growing instructions, always great germination, wonderful customer service, fast delivery, easy to navigate website, free colourful catalogue, what else can I say!

Positive Feedback - This year was the first time I had ever heard of this company, but I will definitely be a repeat customer!

I ordered Brocade sweet corn from Stokes in the Spring of 2007 and had it in hand within the week! I don't know how they did it! Their catalog was a wealth of information. I was able to compare growth and production charts of seeds; even those seeds advertised by other companies whose catalogs had no comparison information available.

The Brocade Sweet Corn was the best I've ever eaten! Definitely the best I've ever grown! Brocade produced consistant 2 inch diameter ears, 8 inches long, pollinated to the the tip, in tight husks, on strong upright stalks 7 and 8 feet tall.

People that I gave corn to asked, "How did you do it?"

"Easy, I planted Brocade Sweet Corn - God grew it - I picked it."

I have ordered from a lot of mail order seed catalogs over the last 35 years, but I have by far been most impressed by Stokes Seed and service. Now I am a local gardening success. My neighbors, my horse, and my family have some how put away about 1400 ears of corn this summer. We are very happy.

I will be ordering my corn from them again next Spring!

I called in an order on a Tuesday afternoon and had it in hand on Friday. The people on the telephone were very friendly and professional. This was my first order, but certainly will not be my last. I also love the catalog, there is a wealth of information, I am still reading and learning. The only problem that I have is that the print is very small.

I have placed a couple of orders with Stokes this spring and both were delivered promptly. There was a wealth of information included on their seed packets. They had the best prices I could find for Jiffy pots, too. I'll certainly be placing more substantial orders with this company next year!

I have ordered seeds from Stokes for many years and did so again this year. I trust their catalog and their very prompt delivery. Although I do not order large quantities of seeds, I find that whatever premium I may pay (not large, if any) is offset by the wide variety of choices I get and the reliability of their seeds.