Chiltern Seeds Reviews 135

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.6

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Review summary

Based on reviews, created with AI

Reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers consistently praise the company's extensive selection of seeds, encompassing both common and rare varieties. People appreciate the detailed instructions provided for germination and plant care, often found on the website, which they find very informative. Consumers highlight the ease of ordering, the speed of delivery, and the quality of the seeds, noting excellent germination rates. Consumers also express high satisfaction with the company's customer service, describing it as helpful, efficient, and friendly. Reviewers appreciate the prompt responses to inquiries and the willingness to resolve any issues quickly and effectively. The company's commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly packaging is another aspect that customers value. Many reviewers have been loyal customers for years, recommending the company to friends and family.

Based on these reviews

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Chiltern Seeds are my go-to people for seeds. An excellent range of products, a lot wider than a lot of other companies. The website is good at drawing my attention to plants that I have never heard o... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

All seeds I bought germinated and now been planted in various places in garden baskets and pots and greenhouse. I bought lisianthus which I understand are hard to grow, they are doing really well and... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I bought a packet of Hollyhock 'Creme de Cassis' seeds from Chiltern in December 2020. I planted some of those, and put the rest in the refrigerator and promptly forgot about them. This year they ca... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I first discovered Chiltern Seeds during lockdown and had great success growing vegetables. After a gardening 'blip' I'm ready to start again and have ordered a lovely selection of flower seeds this t... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I’ve used Chiltern Seeds for over ten years now as the selection they have is great. In the past one item went astray in the post and Chiltern Seeds replaced it which was greatly appreciated. In the l... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Chiltern Seeds is an absolute delight for any gardening enthusiast. Their selection is incredible, offering a wide variety of high-quality seeds that have been a joy to grow. The packaging is carefu... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Chiltern Seeds were really helpful when I was planning the grow list of flowers for our daughter's wedding. They're always genuinely keen to help sort any growing problems. A family run business th... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Really impressed with how they handled my complaint. I’d bought Giant Fennel seeds and only 1 germinated - they asked about growing conditions, sent me a replacement pack of seeds and gave me detaile... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I love Chiltern seeds! Trustworthy, reliable, and so willing to help....and what a fantastic selection they have, there's always something different and fascinating that I must try! Looking at their w... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The quality of the seeds were brilliant. I bought Agretti an Italian herb which is notoriously difficult to germinate. I had little faith to be honest. However, germinate they did within the week. The... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I have been using Chiltern Seeds for quite a few years now since becoming a small flower farm. The seeds are always fresh and top quality and the germination rate has always been very good. Their webs... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I have used Chiltern Seeds for at least 9 years following a recommendation in Which magazine. I have never been disappointed with their seeds.In most cases the germination rate is very good. Service i... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I have bought many Chiltern seeds and have had a problem with germination from only one species. I wrote about it as a review which was picked up immediately. They expressed genuine concern and reques... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A brilliant variety of seeds, some of which are rarely found elsewhere. Chiltern Seeds also deliver to N Ireland unlike most other seed companies. I’ve been ordering seeds from them for many years a... See more

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

I often buy your seeds but was disappointed that the guide to germinating and sowing has been removed. It will not be helpful for new gardeners to have to look for information when they will be busy... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I have used Chiltern for my annual seed order for some years now - their service is superb; both in terms of efficiency (the orders are often sent out same day) and customer service (any changes or... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I've been a Chiltern Seeds customer since 2004. They have an amazing selection of seeds, and an impressive catalogue / website (with decent descriptions and growing advice plus the occasional funn... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

If ever a catalogue made you want to buy -it’s the latest Chiltern Seeds Catalogue. Stunning pictures showing a cross section of their extensive range. I try to buy some “unusual” seeds each year and... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This is my sixth year using Chiltern Seeds and they never disappoint. Their increasingly well produced catalogue is one of the joys of my garden planning year and they are great at providing all the s... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Chiltern Seeds have the best range of any seed supplier. I can happily while away hours browsing their website and informative catalogues! I recently had difficulty propagating just a couple of packe... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great range - and have just had a very positive customer service experience too. I ordered seeds in October, having been very happy with seeds sent the previous year. Realised just yesterday evening (... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Very helpful and efficient when I wanted to add to my order. Have bought seeds from Chiltern over several years, always a good variety of ordinary and unusual seeds at reasonable prices. They don’t ch... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I've been using this company for a variety of seeds, and have had excellent results. Note that their more detailed growing instructions are found on their website, with some basic instructions on the... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Chiltern seeds always has a wide variety of seeds which I look forward to every year, there's something for everyone. The packages are always a joy to receive and always packed very well. I've grown s... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Chiltern Seeds is a great company. They stock an amazing range of seeds, they deliver promptly, the catalogue/website is very informative. If I've ever needed to contact them they have been very hel... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I've been using Chiltern Seeds for years. Their customer service is superb and the website is nicely designed and easily searchable. Other seed companies have cut costs over the years and declined as... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Chiltern Seeds are the best. Incredible selection at very reasonable prices. Website is easy to use with a lot of information. Orders shipped to Quebec for me arrive promptly and correct. Would... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

* The highest praise Chiltern Seeds * Through lack of computer skills I failed to complete payment for my on line order. A telephone call to Chiltern Seeds sorted everything out in a very sh... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My order unfortunately seems to have gotten lost in the post, but the customer service team (particularly Nina!) were so lovely and quick to respond to the issue and send out a replacement order. Whil... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Easily one of the best seed companies in the world. They have an incredible variety, with detailed description on their site, and their prompt response to emails is first class. Highly recommended.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I found 'Chiltern Seeds' last year when I was after a Verbascum plant. This arrived in excellent condition and continued to thrive. Since then, I have purchased seeds from 'Chiltern' and they have... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I have used Chiltern seeds for 3 or 4 years. I love the catalogue and the beautiful photos, which can make it hard to choose, as everything looks lovely This year, I decided to start my sweet peas ea... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Chiltern Seeds offer a fantastic,diverse range of seeds. They are reasonably priced and provide sufficient sowing advice to ensure success. Growing from seed is not always easy but the information pro... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Used this company as they have a great selection of seeds and are far cheaper than buying them in the small packs you generally get in the shops. Seeds came in jiffy bag made entirely out of pape... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Chiltern Seeds is a wonderful company! I am a flower farmer in Canada and I have used Chiltern seeds for several years. They have a huge selection of seeds (better than anything I can find in North Am... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This is a brilliant seed company, and I now use practically only Chiltern seeds. I buy quite a lot of seeds as I grow cut flowers, and the selection here is fantastic. The grouping is very practical... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I have been a loyal customer for several years with this company. They have a wonderful selection of seeds, some very unusual, a beautiful catalogue and they are running a sustainable eco friendly sma... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I’ve been buying seeds from this company for a while now, and I can honestly say I’m very impressed. Recently my order got lost in the mail, and they sent me a new batch of seeds without any iss... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I have been a customer of this company for too many years to remember and certainly should have said something before now! Every December I look longingly for my first present. Their catalogue. Actual... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I've bought seeds from Chiltern Seeds for a few years now and they always have excellent germination rates, and they're always what they're supposed to be! Customer service can't be faulted either.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

One of my favourite seed suppliers. Have been using them for over 30 years and never had a problem. They carry a magnificent range of ornamental and vegetable seed and there is always something new ev... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I have bought seeds from Chiltern for the last 30 years and apart from some European vegetable varieties, they are my first and main seed supplier. A really helpful, efficient, friendly company,

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I was to be honest quite in dispare about ordering from UK Store now there have been Brexit but however I have so many good ecxperiences with Chilitern seeds and half my perrenials in my garden origi... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great company with huge selection of seeds from across the world with instructions on germination and care of your plants. Lots of fruit and vegetable seeds too.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I have used Chiltern for a number of years as they offer interesting and unusual plants and spectacularly tempting catalogues and websites. More importantly they offer plenty of advice online and by... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I recently had an issue where my order seemed to have been lost in the post. I contacted the company, and they were incredibly responsive and helpful. I was really impressed with their quick action an... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The variety of unusual seeds available, the fast response to my order, the excellent communication, the well produced catalogue but it has got to be the quality of the seeds that takes top spot. I bou... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding service and high quality seeds. In the event of a problem outside their control, they can be reached and will rectify the situation promptly. The rest of the market can learn valuable l... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Fast delivery, environment friendly packaging. Seeds look good quality. I’m extremely excited about the lottery mixture and what’s going to grow out of them.

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Company details

  1. Home & Garden

Written by the company

Set up in 1975 Chiltern Seeds sell a wide range of flower, vegetable and unusual seeds to grow in your garden.


Contact info

4.6

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

135 reviews

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Replied to 100% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 48 hours


Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The best range, quality and customer service you'll find in the UK

I want to start by saying don't be dissuaded by negative reviews - I'm pretty sure they mostly refer to a company using a similar name with a poor reputation. I feel sad for Chiltern Seeds as they deserve an average five star rating!

I bought lots of seeds from Chiltern this year as a new gardener.

I found the website to be excellent. There is a huge variety of unusual and beautiful seeds - the sort of thing you can't get in garden centres, even more specialist ones. This includes uncommon varieties of popular plants like Cosmos - if you're looking for something a bit different that will have everyone asking "WHERE did you get that?!" then this is the place to go!

There are also really useful features on the site including "seeds to sow now", well curated seasonal edits and the ability to filter by a whole range of parameters which was very helpful in finding things that would work for my space and the time available.

I ended up ordering three times from them this season - multiple cosmos, zinnia and phlox varieties, scabiosa, snapdragons, eustoma, Ammi Majus & visagna, papaver, Nigella. Seeds arrived promptly and were beautifully packaged with clear instructions.

I've had success with almost everything aside from the eustoma which is notoriously tricky & did actually sprout but was damaged when my cat decided to take a nap on the seed tray which is hardly Chilterns fault! The phlox took a while and I thought I'd have to give up on it but suddenly, almost every seed germinated and started rapidly growing. The overall germination rate was so high I ended up with a LOT of spare seedlings which made nice gifts for friends and family.

Everything is starting to bloom now and I was delighted to be able to make my first ever mini bouquet last week from plants in my garden. I'm particularly excited about the cosmos - I haven't seen the varieties I bought in any other garden or garden centre and they're breathtakingly beautiful.

Next year, I'm definitely going to stock up on sweetpeas - again, they stock some truly gorgeous varieties - and will be ordering foxglove seeds to overwinter too!

Though I've had no problems I note that Chiltern respond kindly and helpfully to those who have, offering replacements and advice.

I recommend Chiltern to everyone without hesitation. Excellent customer service, the best range I've seen anywhere in the UK and top quality products. I'm already excitedly planning my cutting garden for next year!

July 9, 2025
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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My favourite seed people

Chiltern Seeds are my go-to people for seeds. An excellent range of products, a lot wider than a lot of other companies. The website is good at drawing my attention to plants that I have never heard of or wouldn't normally consider buying and gives expert growing and plant care advice. Good quality seeds, speedy delivery and excellent customer service.

July 3, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Really impressed with how they handled…

Really impressed with how they handled my complaint. I’d bought Giant Fennel seeds and only 1 germinated - they asked about growing conditions, sent me a replacement pack of seeds and gave me detailed advice on how to germinate them successfully.

June 3, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Poor germination rates and weak seedlings

I have found that the seeds are not as good as they used to be. Some have very few seeds (e.g. Cosmos Airosanguineus Black Magic - four seeds only!) and the rest have had poor germination rates and even if they germinated the resulting seedlings were weak and many died off. I've not had this happen before. e.g. Lathyrus Beaujolais, L. Prince Edward of York, L Dorothy Eckford, L. Watermelon (my own Lathyrus seed was much more successful), Lupinus Band of Nobles The Pages, Nicotiana Bronze Queen (the Alata Lime Green was OK), Chickpea Principe (half germinated), Cosmos Bipinnatus Purity. With so many seeds failing, I don't think it can be a coincidence and I'm afraid I won't be ordering from Chiltern Seeds again. Such a pity as I would prefer to buy from small independent businesses.

May 25, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Chiltern Seeds

Thank you for your feedback, please do contact our customer service team either by email info@chilternseeds.co.uk or by telephone 01491 824 675 to discuss your results further.

The Cosmos atrosanguineus is the first perennial Cosmos available in seed form and is incredibly rare and sought after, for this reason the seeds are scarce and expensive. We offer 4 seeds in a packet, fewer than the annual Cosmos types where seed is more readily available. We hope you will enjoy growing this rare and special Cosmos.

With regards to the failings and seedlings dying, this does sound like an environmental issue and quite possibly related to compost. With the move to peat free, compost mixes are not performing as they used to and a very interesting study has been undertaken by West Dean Gardens this year, link here: https://www.westdean.ac.uk/gardens-blog/peat-free-compost-trial-results

We have also found that a species that does brilliantly in one type of compost is not compatible in another. We take great pride in the quality and freshness of our seeds, never keeping seed for longer than a season and the majority of our harvests are tested at our growers before being sent to us, ensuring a proven germination rate in line with our high standards and expectations.

We would like to look into your results further and resolve any disappointment caused. Kind regards, The Chiltern Seeds Team.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Agretti 80% germination

The variety of unusual seeds available, the fast response to my order, the excellent communication, the well produced catalogue but it has got to be the quality of the seeds that takes top spot. I bought Agretti a notoriously difficult seed to germinate. Warned by gardening friends that it was a thankless task and prepare to be disappointed. 80% germination! Yes 80%! They are happily growing robustly as if they were on the slopes of Mt Etna. We are harvesting them for soups, salads and sautees even in North West Lancashire they are so prolific. It has been my star seed this year. Over the moon.

May 23, 2025
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Rated 2 out of 5 stars

No packaged date

Bought some blauschokker peas and so far not a one has germinated after 2w. However this could be just me but the packets I received don't have a date packaged or picked on them which is strange.

May 22, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Chiltern Seeds

Dear Graham, we are sorry to hear that you have not yet had any germination with the Pea 'Blauschokker' variety purchased from us, we advise germination usually shows in 7-10 days but can take longer and would advise up to 35 days.

We take great pride in the quality and freshness of our seeds and the majority of our harvests are tested at our growers for a proven rate. If you would like to contact our customer service team on 01491 824 675 or via email info@chilternseeds.co.uk to discuss sowing method and your results further, they would be happy to help and can organise a replacement packet if you wish. We would also like to log your results against the item concerned for our database.
Our packets do not have an expiry date printed on them as we have fresh seed every season and do not keep harvests for longer than one year. As a general rule our seeds will all remain perfectly viable for 2 years from purchase as long as they are stored in a cool, dry place. Exposure to dampness or extreme heat will affect seed viability.
We look forward to hearing from you and resolving this.
Kind regards, Chiltern Seeds.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

All seeds I bought germinated and now…

All seeds I bought germinated and now been planted in various places in garden baskets and pots and greenhouse. I bought lisianthus which I understand are hard to grow, they are doing really well and Russian sage which can also be slow but have done really well. Also lobelia, careselio cucumber and gardners delight tomatoes are doing brilliantly. I will from now buy all my seeds from chiltern very pleased with them

May 19, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Fast delivery, good quality

Fast delivery, environment friendly packaging. Seeds look good quality. I’m extremely excited about the lottery mixture and what’s going to grow out of them.

May 14, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding service and high quality…

Outstanding service and high quality seeds. In the event of a problem outside their control, they can be reached and will rectify the situation promptly.
The rest of the market can learn valuable lessons from Chiltern Seeds.
Thanks to everyone of the Team.

April 30, 2025
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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely fantastic service

Absolutely fantastic service, swift delivery, packaging ensured perfect product received. I had issues with germinating the seeds so asked for support and the customer service team were fabulous. They gave me great advice and provided me with replacement seeds to try again.
Excellent service from start to finish. Definitely recommend this company.

April 4, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Simply the best

Chiltern Seeds have the best range of any seed supplier. I can happily while away hours browsing their website and informative catalogues! I recently had difficulty propagating just a couple of packets of quite tricky plants and commented. I had an immediate response back with offer to replace. Their customer service is exceptional.

March 31, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Chiltern Seeds were really helpful when…

Chiltern Seeds were really helpful when I was planning the grow list of flowers for our daughter's wedding.
They're always genuinely keen to help sort any growing problems.
A family run business that has time to talk to customers, a rare and real gift in customer service!

March 25, 2025
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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Quite simply the best.

I have been a customer of this company for too many years to remember and certainly should have said something before now! Every December I look longingly for my first present. Their catalogue. Actually more a mini encyclopaedia and I learn so much as you will if you become a customer. It is so readable and informative. I always wish I had a bigger garden. Every year I get what once was Mac’s mix. He was a cat and his mix ups were bagged and offered for sale. Goodness knows what you will end up with but that’s the fun. I cannot imagine being without the catalogue. I simply love it as you will. Please take my word and check it out. You will not be disappointed.

March 19, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A personal touch

I have used Chiltern for a number of years as they offer interesting and unusual plants and spectacularly tempting catalogues and websites. More importantly they offer plenty of advice online and by email / phone. In addition, on the rare occasion that there is a problem, it is resolved quickly and with a personal touch that reminds me that this a family firm, not a money machine owned by private equity.

March 18, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great service and selection from Chiltern Seeds

I’ve used Chiltern Seeds for over ten years now as the selection they have is great. In the past one item went astray in the post and Chiltern Seeds replaced it which was greatly appreciated. In the last few weeks after the seeds germinated I lost the in an unexpected cold snap. Nina has been very helpful in replacing those seeds which I am now nursing following the very helpful instructions. I should add these instructions were on the seed packets originally, I just got caught out with the cold snap. Very much recommend Chiltern Seeds!!!

March 18, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great Customer Service

I recently had an issue where my order seemed to have been lost in the post. I contacted the company, and they were incredibly responsive and helpful. I was really impressed with their quick action and friendly communication and how the problem was dealt with.

March 6, 2025
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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I have used Chiltern seeds for 3 or 4…

I have used Chiltern seeds for 3 or 4 years. I love the catalogue and the beautiful photos, which can make it hard to choose, as everything looks lovely
This year, I decided to start my sweet peas early but I had a problem with quite a number not germinating. The customer service was excellent and they replaced all the seeds. Very impressed. Thank you

March 1, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I found 'Chiltern Seeds' last year.

I found 'Chiltern Seeds' last year when I was after a Verbascum plant. This arrived in excellent condition and continued to thrive. Since then, I have purchased seeds from 'Chiltern' and they have always done well. I have just planted my second set of sweet pea seeds in pots, and will be planting some tomato seeds today. The orders arrive quickly, with full instructions for care.
A lovely company to deal with. Thank you!

March 3, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Plant lovers heaven!

I love Chiltern seeds! Trustworthy, reliable, and so willing to help....and what a fantastic selection they have, there's always something different and fascinating that I must try! Looking at their website is like opening a treasure chest for a gardener, and what they write about the seeds is often most entertaining and humorous, and makes great reading. If you love plants you will love Chiltern seeds too.

March 1, 2025
Unprompted review

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