They're taking orders again! I recently received mine in just 3 weeks (mid July 2022) using their regular free shipping. I've placed several orders from them over the past few years and have always been happy.
They do post the required info for U.S. customers on their site that you need to apply for a U.S. customs permit to import seeds. In experience, I've found this isn't necessary for small orders under 50 packs of seeds. You're taking a very small risk that customs will confiscate your seeds, but they inspect far less than 1% of international packages and honestly these tiny quantities of seeds for home gardeners aren't their target. You CANNOT buy pepper or tomato seeds from them (to the U.S.) if you complete the U.S. customs process; they'll be confiscated at the USDA inspection station. I personally decided to just place small orders of $25 or less and I've never had a problem with anything not making it to my mailbox.
Here are a few hints/observations:
- Their seed counts are pretty generous. Each packet is cutely presented in a tiny plastic ziploc bag with a little paper that has a photo of the plant and its name, and the seeds are in an even tinier ziploc bag within that one. Makes storage easy if you only use a few seeds per season.
- U.S. shipping is free if you buy at least $20 and that amount also earns you 20% off your order. I pay via PayPal because I prefer that to using my credit card for international purchases.
- I've experienced very good germination and strong growth of seedlings with their seeds. Some varieties have grown well for me while others haven't, and that's probably because some are adapted to extreme climates (Ukraine is a big country!); I'm in zone 7b/8a in Charlotte NC.
- Buy seeds directly from their website. I'm seeing reports of fraudulent sellers impersonating them on Amazon.
- All their seeds are grown in Ukraine, but many are for varieties that are Russian, other Eastern European countries, or even other continents. Nothing wrong with that, but if you're looking for Ukrainian heirlooms, then look for specific mention of that in the description or send them a question.
- If you have questions, they're responsive on Facebook and their website's chat feature.
- They're currently also selling an "S.O.S. package" of seeds that they donate to Ukrainian families so they can grow their own food during the war. Consider adding one of those to your cart!
