If you are looking for exotic vegetable, herb or flower seeds that are not already available locally in Singapore, here are a few international seed suppliers that might have exactly what you are after.
Can I buy seeds from overseas to Singapore?
Can you import seeds to Singapore? Yes, however it is recommended by NParks that you get a phytosanitary certificate. Many people don’t really bother because it can be expensive, but of late some gardeners have had their seed packages redirected by SingPost and redirected to NParks and have been fined. When it comes to bringing in live plants, it is important that you know what the regulations are. See here for NPark’s regulations on bringing plants and plant products into Singapore.
Personally I have ordered from a couple of these seed suppliers, such as Baker Creek Seeds and Strictly Medicinal Seeds, and I have found them to be highly reliable sources.
International Seed Suppliers
Here are some seed suppliers who readily ship overseas and offer a wide and unique selection of vegetable, herbs, medicinal and flower seeds.
Baker Creek Seeds
Baker Creek Seeds is popular with Singaporean growers. Here you will find a vast and exotic range of herbs, vegetables and flower plant seeds. For now, Baker Creek Seeds sells a maximum of 10 seed packets with a flat shipping fee of US$12. Shop their seeds here.
Australian Seed
Australian Seed stocks a large collection of native Australian plant seeds and offers a great selection of flowers, herb and vegetable seeds. There is no minimum order required when it comes to shipping, however do note that all international orders are shipped using parcel post because it offers mail tracking and insurance, shipping costs more as a result. Shop here.
Strictly Medicinal Seeds
If you are looking for seeds of medicinal plants, dye plants, ancient grains, as well as herbs and vegetables, Strictly Medicinal Seeds has a healthy range worth checking out. Shop their seeds here.
Swallowtail Seeds
Swallowtail Seeds stocks a reasonably large collection of flower seeds, while they do not have an extensive collection of herb and vegetable seeds, they do have some interesting hybrid varieties. Visit their shop here.
Chilli Seed Bank
This is a specialty store which retails seeds among other chilli related products. They stock a large variety of seeds sourced from around the world, visit their online shop here.
Know of other international seed suppliers who directly ship flower, herb and vegetable seeds? Comment below to share!
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8 Comments
Hi there, for seeds, do we need to obtain an import permit and phytosanitary certificate?
Hi Ryan, in general I believe that we are supposed to but many do not bother. It is stricter for plants, but for seeds, this is not strictly enforced. Previously there was a webpage on the NParks site (which I linked to) regarding phytocertificates and seeds but I can no longer find it.
Hi. Vpost cannot ship seeds from Malaysia and other countries.
Hi Lis, thank you for clarifying! 🙂
Hi I wish to order some plant seeds from the sources you have recommended on your website. You mentioned that you have ordered online and have them shipped to Singapore with no issues, is that correct?
Am I right to assume that the phytocertificate and import permit is not neccessary?
Or do I run the risk of getting fined if I don’t get them?
Thanks in advance.
Hi John, in the past there were no issues, but more recently I heard from friends that their parcels were intercepted, and they had to pay fines when they went to the NParks office in Lim Chu Kang. If the phyto is affordable, I would suggest getting it in case but if it is very expensive and you’re only importing seeds, you can try ordering without the phyto and pay the fine, cos it is cheaper when you do so the first time, but there is a possibility that the fine increases each time.
Hi, what’s the fine like if you get caught? I’m interested in buying microgreens seeds from trueleafmarket.com because I dont see any mesclun mix microgreens seeds in singapore. There’s no information from gardeners who brought seeds in online, at least not much that mentions any interaction with nparks. So I’m kind of curious, what happens if nparks confiscate the seeds? The shipping from overseas seeds store is already pretty costly, I really don’t wish to spend more on the cert.
Hi Rui, the fine is possibly around $30+, if I recall correctly. A couple of my gardening friends experienced this. But the annoying part is not only the fine, it’s going to the NParks office in Lim Chu Kang and the office is closed at lunchtime. Not every parcel is seized, so this is a at-your-own-risk kinda situation.