J. L. HUDSON, SEEDSMAN, BOX 337, LA HONDA, CALIFORNIA 94020-0337 USA
Request Form for requests sent by the postal service.HOW TO REQUEST SEEDS
We are now able to accept on-line requests with payment through PayPal. Online Requests.
To request seeds, books, or supplies from the portions of the catalog that are posted on this website, please read the
following, fill out the Request Form,
print out your request, and mail it to us with a money order or check. If you don't want to bother
with the request form, just print out a list of what you want with your name and address and mail it
to us with your check. Almost as fast as on-line requesting!
NOTE: Large checks from new customers may be held until they clear,
especially if there are certain indications which we have found signal possible problems, such as no
printed name and address, etc. We will notify you if we are going to hold your request. For fast
service, new customers should use a money order.
WE WELCOME CUSTOMERS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES - PLEASE SEE SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS BELOW:
Canadian Customers
Outside the
U.S. & Canada.
How Long Will My Seeds Take to Arrive?
Figure up to a week for us to get your letter (the mails are usually faster -
about 2 days, but sometimes are slow - up to two weeks in rare cases!), or if requesting online and
paying by PayPal, figure three days turnaround time for us to get your e-mail, verify your payment
and address, and process your request for shipment, PLUS up to another week (usually 2 - 3 days) or so
for the Postal Service to deliver the package to you (longer outside the US). Sometimes there are
January-April busy season backlogs. Current backlog status - about 2 days.
PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE MAKING YOUR REQUEST
1. Computer Users: Please put your name & address in the upper left, leave
upper right blank.
2. List the seeds you want, giving the full botanical name & Code-Number, quantity and price of
each kind (example: Achillea filipendula Parker's Var., ACH-10P, 3 packets @ $2.00 = $6.00). For
vegetable seeds, give the kind & variety (example: Tomato, Rio Grande, 1/2 Oz $4.00). Be sure to
tell the number of packets or quantity you want, and the price.
3. Add postage from the table for the total number of packets requested, plus postage for the total weight of any bulk seed, plants or books
requested. If you wish insurance, add $2.05 for up to $100.00. Over $100.00, we insure at no additional charge.
4. California customers add Sales Tax (7 1/4% outside San Mateo
County, inside San Mateo County 8 1/4%). No tax on vegetable or food seeds, or postage. Click here
to learn about Sales Tax.
5. Pay the total by Money Order, Check (payable to J. L. Hudson, Seedsman), currency or stamps (in
place of coin), Credit Cards through PayPal only - Online
Requesting. No C.O.D. requests.
6. Be sure to check the Out of Stock list. State on
your request whether you want credit, refund or substitutes for any items that are out of stock on
your request in case something sells out before we receive it. We cannot backorder. If you want us to
substitute, please give a second choice list or note area of interest. State on your request that you
do not have the print catalog, and we will send one.
7. Be sure to read our terms of business before sending your request.
REMEMBER:
REQUEST EARLY- Requests usually filled in 72 hours. During the January to April busy season, requests may occasionally be delayed a few days. Always keep in mind that the Post Office can take up
to a week to deliver First Class Mail, so allow a week for your request to reach us, and a week for the
seeds to reach you after we have filled the request. Therefore, it's always a good idea to allow all
mail order companies a full month before you write inquiring about your request.
Keep a copy of your request to check against the goods received.
If you request over $5.00 in a year, you will be sent the next year's catalog. If you request over
$10.00, you will be sent the catalog and supplements next year.
We do not buy or sell mailing lists; your business with us is held in confidence. See our Privacy Policy for details.
Making a request constitutes acceptance of our non-warranty and all terms of business.
TERMS OF BUSINESS
We strive to distribute only the finest quality seed, correctly identified, and of high germination
and vigor, and strive to publish the most accurate, detailed and informative catalog anywhere. The
satisfaction of the customer is always our aim, and any complaints are given our full attention. If
there is any problem with your request, please let us know.
Our good reputation is your best warranty.
Corporate 'consumer' seed companies do not offer difficult to germinate seeds; their money-back
guarantees limit them to easily grown seeds. As is common with seedsmen who distribute a wide
variety of sometimes difficult seeds to professional growers, we adhere to the old tradition of the
non-warranty:
We give no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the description, quality, productiveness, or any
other matter of any seeds we sell, and we will not in anyway be responsible for the crop. Our
liability, whether contractual or otherwise, is limited to the purchase price of the seeds under all
circumstances.
We make no claims as to the medicinal or edible properties of any plants. All seeds are sold for
planting purposes only.
That said, remember that some seeds are difficult and require exacting conditions or prolonged
periods to germinate, so have patience, take care in providing correct conditions, experiment, and
let us know if you have problems with any seeds.
If there is any problem, we want to be the first to know.
Large requests from new customers may be held until your check clears.
PRICES AND PACKET SIZES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
IMPORTANT TERMS OF BUSINESS
In order to protect the Public Domain status of our seeds, as of June 1st, 2000, all seeds are
supplied solely under the following conditions: We expressly prohibit the use of any seeds or plants
supplied by us, or their progeny, in any form of genetic engineering, breeding, or research which
will result in any form of life patent, variety protection, breeder's rights or any form of
intellectual property applied to living things which would compromise the Public Domain status of
the seeds, plants, their progeny and any genetic material therein. We expressly prohibit the
transfer to any third party of any seeds, plants, their progeny or any portion of their genetic
material without these prohibitions in place.
INSURANCE: We insure all parcels over $100.00 value, unless you request no insurance. Insured
parcels must be signed for—if this is not convenient for you, specify "No Insurance" (at
your own risk).
POSTAGE AND PACKING
Please add the correct amount to your request from the following table. Seeds
are shipped via First Class or Priority Mail.
POSTAGE ON SEED PACKETS TO THE US, CANADA, AND MEXICO:
COUNT cactus & other seed sold by count as one packet unless noted.
| NUMBER OF PACKETS REQUESTED: | TOTAL POSTAGE: |
| 1 - 20 packets .................. | $1.50 |
| 21 - 40 packets ................ | $2.00 |
| 41 - 60 packets ................ | $2.50 |
| 61 - 80 packets ................ | $3.00 |
| 81-100 packets ................ | $3.50 |
| 101-150 packets .............. | $4.00 |
| 150 packets and up .......... | $5.00 |
POSTAGE ON PACKETS OUTSIDE NORTH AMERICA: Triple above amounts.
POSTAGE AND PACKING ON TUBERS: When tubers are sold individually, count each tuber as one
packet when figuring postage and packing. When tubers are sold by weight, figure like bulk seed.
POSTAGE ON BULK SEED to the US, CANADA, and MEXICO: If ounces are requested along with
packets, add 45c per ounce, If requested alone, add $1.50 for the first Ounce, 45c each
additional ounce. This is for First Class Mail.
PRIORITY MAIL POSTAGE ON POUNDS to the US, CANADA, and MEXICO: Under 1 pound: $5.00, 1 lb:
$8.00, each additional pound : $3.00. Or you may round seed weight up to next pound and call the
Post Office for the rate, or go to http://postcalc.usps.gov
for rate to your zone and add $1.00 for packing.
CUSTOMERS OUTSIDE OF NORTH AMERICA: Check http://ircalc.usps.gov
for the rate.
MEDIA MAIL POSTAGE ON BOOKS (Mailed to the USA only): First pound $2.50, each additional pound
40c. Under 6 Oz: $2.00. Round weights up.
BOOKS TO CUSTOMERS OUTSIDE THE US: Postage for books to
Canada and México: use the rate for Priority Mail postage as for pounds above.
Other Countries: check http://ircalc.usps.gov for the
various rates and classes of mail. Note: Insurance is available only for some classes of mail.
METRIC CONVERSION for postage only (approximate):
1 ounce = 28 grams
1 pound = 454 grams
Either total the amount of bulk seed you order in metric units, and divide by 28 for ounces, or 454
for pounds, then figure postage from there, or figure:
1 gram counts as 1 packet
5 grams count as 1/4 ounce
10 grams count as 1/2 ounce
25 grams count as 1 ounce
50 grams count as 2 ounces
100 grams count as 4 ounces or 1/4 pound
500 grams count as 1 pound
1000 grams (1 kilo) counts as 2.2 pounds
TO OUR CLIENTS
This will be the 35th year Ms. Calkins and I have been distributing seeds, and the 98th year since
the founding of the firm by Harry E. Saier.
This year there are 212 new seed listings, including 28 new vegetables, 10 new and returning tubers,
2 returning books, 1 new DVD, and over 130 new bulk seed listings.
Speaking of bulk seed, if you need a bulk quantity of anything we list that has no bulk price, just
write or email me at JLH@JLHudsonSeeds.net, and I'll
quote you a price on whatever amount is in stock and available for immediate delivery.
High gas prices, imploding economy—this is the year to stay home and garden!
The white list is still coming. It is already in place in Australia and New Zealand, where it now
costs over $30,000.00 to get permission to import a single new species of plant!
I encourage everyone to have a look at the new bulk seed list, as we are adding a lot of information
that will be useful to everyone, including current germination test results and the number of seeds
per weight unit. This is limited only by my lack of time - there are only so many hours in the day.
So please send me your spare time!
I'd like to encourage everyone to get a copy of my new book, Invasion
Biology: Critique of a Pseudoscience. If you don't want to shell out for it yourself,
request it through your local library. I think you will find it an eye-opener!
I also encourage you to check out the other sources we list. We all
need to support independent plantsmen. Send me the names and addresses of your favorite
diversity-rich, information-rich mail-order seed and plant sources.
CANADIAN CUSTOMERS
NOTE: Sometimes there are considerable delays in the mails between the US and Canada - even letters
can take 4 - 6 weeks to reach us, and parcels of seed to you can take about a month.
Please do not inquire as to whether we have shipped your request until at least 30 days after you
mail it.
We like Canada - what a great place. We welcome Canadian customers, and hope we can make it easy for you to send payment. (Canada!
Looking better all the time in comparison to the US! Aren't you lucky you don't live here...) We can now
accept payment online through PayPal, an easy way to pay by credit card or directly from your bank
account. Online Requesting. PayPal costs you nothing,
unlike a money order! We accept Canadian currency at your own risk (about C$1.00 = US$1.00, plus the
5% that the currency exchange charges us. For current exchange rate, go to http://www.xe.net/ucc/), or U.S. currency at your
own risk (wrap currency well, and register the letter), or Canadian Postal Money Orders in U.S.$ only, or personal checks from a U.S.
bank in U.S.$ only. Banks here charge up to $60 to process Canadian bank checks, even if
in U.S.$! I know, it's an outrage! We refund in Canadian currency or by Credit Memo. If you pay
through PayPal, we can refund this way.
POSTAGE TO CANADA for small parcels is not too much more expensive than to the US, so packet requests
should use the US chart above. For books and heavy parcels, check http://ircalc.usps.gov for the rate. Choose the rate you prefer, and add that
amount to your payment, plus $1.00 for packing.
ALL TYPES OF SEED, including tree and shrub seed and corn seed in small packets may now be shipped
directly to Canada without import permit, phytosanitary certificate or delay. A few types such as
wheat (Triticum) are prohibited.
OUTSIDE THE U.S. AND CANADA
We can now accept payment online through PayPal, an easy way to pay by credit card or directly
from your bank account. Online Requesting. PayPal
costs you nothing, unlike a money order, or bank draft!
All payments must be made in U.S. dollars only, by check or bank draft drawn on a U.S. bank only.
We cannot accept checks drawn on banks outside the U.S., due to excessive charges imposed by our
bank. You may send U.S. currency at your own risk, and we now accept cash payment in all currencies,
but we recommend you register the letter. If you send non - U.S. currency, please add 5% (the
currency-exchange charges us 5% to change currency). For an exchange-rate calculator, go to http://www.xe.net/ucc/. If you are sending
currency from a country that uses Euros, please send Euros, not your old currency. Checks or drafts
in US$ only.
If any items are out of stock, you must be able to accept a refund in U.S. dollars, or credit for
future requests, or substitutions. If you pay through PayPal, we can refund this way. If you would
like substitutes, please give an extensive list of acceptable alternates.
All requests will be shipped via AIRMAIL. For postage and packing, please TRIPLE the
amounts shown in the table for U.S. customers. For bulk seed, books, kits, etc. go to http://ircalc.usps.gov and use the rate calculator
(fill in your own country in field #1), then add $1.00 for packing.
Please check with your Ministry of Agriculture regarding any prohibited seeds. Most countries allow
the importation of small amounts of flower seeds without an Import Permit or Phytosanitary
Certificate. For most seeds, quantities under 100 grams are exempt from permit or certificate
requirements. Most small requests pass customs with no problems without a Phytosanitary Certificate,
so judge for yourself whether the cost of a Certificate is greater than the small risk of having
some seeds seized. If a Phytosanitary Certificate is absolutely required, add US$60.00 to your request, and allow an extra 4 to 8 weeks for delivery. We are not responsible for any seeds seized by
customs.
Please do not inquire as to whether we have shipped your request until at least 30 days after you mail
it.
Note: Australia and New Zealand have extremely restrictive agriculture laws -
it is nearly impossible to import seed into New Zealand, and Australia is not far behind. If you are
in either of these countries be aware that your seeds may be seized by customs. We are not
responsible for seeds that do not reach you! Request at your own risk! Books and GA-3 are OK to request
for now.
CALIFORNIA CUSTOMERS - SALES TAX
You must remit sales tax on all seed and books, except seeds of vegetables and commonly used
food plants. If a plant is usually grown as an ornamental and has only incidental food use, such as
most edible flowers, we are required by law to charge the tax.
No tax on postage; figure tax before adding postage.
State sales tax rate is 7 1/4%. Only customers in San Mateo County pay 8 1/4% sales tax.
Businesses must send a signed resale card, your resale number alone is not accepted by the B.O.E.
Click here for more info on Sales Tax.
NO BOUNCED CHECKS
$10.00 service charge on all bounced checks.
EDIBLE & MEDICINAL PLANTS
Occasionally we mention the edible or medicinal properties of plants as they have been reported
in the literature. This is solely to point out promising plants to competent researchers, and for
historical interest, and we make no claims in this regard. Self-experimentation with medicinal or
edible wild plants can be very dangerous, due to toxins and allergic reactions. Do not experiment!
NO GENETICALLY-ENGINEERED SEED
We do not sell any genetically-engineered seeds.
In the future we may expect transgenic traits to escape from GE plants and pass by natural means
into traditional and heirloom plants. Eventually, the entire food supply may become modified, and
none of us will have any choice in the matter.
TREATED or UNTREATED SEED?
Whenever possible we avoid seed that has been treated with pesticide. A few species (fewer than
10) are highly subject to insect infestation and are only available from collectors already
treated with pesticide. Sometimes this is required by law. In these cases we wash the seed before
distributing. All treated seed are labeled as such in the catalog and the packets are clearly
labeled. If you want untreated seed only, please say so on your request.
Currently, only the following seeds have been treated with pesticide:
Acacia Greggii
Caesalpinia cacalaco
Calliandra eriophylla
Cercidium Torreyanum
Dalea spinosa
Lysiloma Thornberi
Mimosa dysocarpa
Prosopis pubescens
SEED EXCHANGE
If you would like to collect seed from the wild, or save seed from unusual plants in your
garden, and would like to exchange this seed with me for credit on your requests, ask for the 'Seed
Exchange' pamphlet, which also includes 'How to Collect Seed'.
HELP STOP THE 'WHITE LIST'
The government is proposing new regulations that will ban the possession and distribution of
99% of all living species! Read about it and find out what you can do to stop this.
GIBBERELLIC ACID-3 (GA-3) PRIMED SEED
We are pleased to introduce seed which has been pre-treated with gibberellic acid for quick
germination. This is a new process we developed which allows you to just plant ordinarily slow and
difficult seeds, and achieve rapid germination without prolonged pre-treatments or making GA-3
solutions yourself. Only a few types are available, but more will follow as research progresses.
Gibberellic acid-primed seed are listed like this:
—Tatula GA-3. (b,g) DATU-28G. $2.50
SORRY, NO TELEPHONE!
I HAVE NO BUSINESS OR PERSONAL TELEPHONE. Please do not call anyone named Hudson who is
listed in the La Honda directory, as you will only disturb someone not connected with me. I do my
web work off-site as we are off the grid.
"If your 'phone doesn't ring, its me!" —J.L.H.
WE ARE NOT SET UP TO RECEIVE VISITORS.
IF YOU MOVE
When giving us your new address, please give your old address so we can remove it from the list.
ATTENTION GARDEN WRITERS
Ask for our Garden Writer's Information Sheet, and send us a current clipping, and we will put
you on our Garden Writers mailing list.