Finding seeds for the tropical garden can be hard sometimes. Traditionally seeds are shared among gardeners. This sharing of seed builds up the genetic makeup of a seed that becomes local to a place.
Ideally, this practice of sharing seed can be revived once again, and it does, in small pockets. But to do that, we need more people growing food, and to do that, we most likely have to start off by buying seed.
There are tons of large seed companies throughout the country, but not many dedicated to the unique growing environments of hawaii. Iʻm here to share with you the ones that are.
I have 6 of my favorite seed companies that are located right here in Hawaii. Seeds that were grown and saved right here in the islands. These seeds already know what it takes to grow in our climate, increasing your chances of success in your garden.
Related: Are you looking to grow tropical fruit trees, like Abiu? Youʻre in luck. Homesteadinʻ Hawaii has just opened a seed store, where we ship super fresh tropical tree seeds straight to your door. We have fruits like abiu, surname cherry, ice cream bean, rollinia and more! Check out the store today!
Tropical Tree Seed Co
Top 6 Seed Companies of Hawaii
UH SEED
The first seed company on my list, isnʻt really a company, but UH Hawaiiʻs Seed program. These seeds are in very high demand and tend to sell out quickly. Theyʻre so popular because theyʻve been bred to grow really well here in hawaii and are resistant to many pests.
Since itʻs an ag department at a university, they do a lot of trials with their seed production. They only have one GMO seed in their line which is the rainbow papaya, which is resistant to the papaya ringspot virus which tends to attack many papayas in hawaii.
Since they run trils all the time, they tend to run out of varieties, so if you like a certain seed you get from them, it would be wise to save your own seed to ensure supply.
It can be a little hard to find these seeds, they have a really bad ordering process on their website, but you can find them in local stores such as the farmer coop in hilo, natural food stores, ace hardware and other local stores.
Fukuda Seed Store
An institution for over 100 years on Oahu, the pandemic finally moved them 100% online although you can still find their seeds throughout many local stores across the islands. In fact, if you go to their website, theyʻll tell you exactly where there seeds are carried.
What I like best about their seed stock is that a lot of it is locally grown and they have a big selection of asian greens. It is hard for me to grow annuals here in Puna, but Asian Greens seem to do great! And at less the $5 a packet. The price is right.
Aina Ola Seed Company
Aina Ola seeds are probably the most common seed you will find in Hawaii. You can find their seeds almost everywhere, even Home Depot and Walmart. They are easy to get your hands on, Iʻll tell you that.
But what is not easy is finding any information on this seed company online. Itʻs as if they donʻt exist, so Iʻll trust it a little bit less than the other seed companies on this list.
They do have a nice selection of seed that is locally adapted, some of the seed, such as manoa lettuce comes from the UH seed lab.
I have found most seed to have a pretty good germination rate. I have grown great ipu (gourds), tomatoes, papaya, and asian greens with seeds from this company.
Hawaii Seed Growers Network
This seed company would probably get the award for the most transparency of where the seeds come from. In fact, the Hawaii Seed Growers Network has a bio of the grower for each seed on their website, with a little bit of history around the plant and the conditions it likes to grow in. Isnʻt that great!
They have a nice mix of peas, beans and rare edible greens among other plants. But their price comes in a little higher, at $5 per pack itʻs almost 2xʻs that of Aina Ola Seeds. However, if you are looking for a little more knowledge on what to plant, then look no further.
Unfortunately, I have only been able to find their seed online. They have an easy ordering process but the shipping fee was way too high IMO. I got a single seed packet for $5 and paid $4 shipping. Hopefully the price for shipping stays the same if you buy more seeds at one time, then it would be worth it.
Tropical Tree Seed
This is a small operation, partnering with multiple growers throughout east Hawaii. This seed company was started by yours truly to supply tropical fruit tree seeds to the local market and beyond. Every sale helps supports the gift of a free fruit tree for lower-income households across the East Hawaii region.
We donʻt have a large inventory of seed, but what we lack in inventory we more than makeup for in uniqueness. We sell a lot of seeds from tropical fruiting plants such as surinam cherry, hawaii chilli pepper, ice cream bean, and cacao. Not things you typically find from a seed company.
I even have posts in this blog that dive deep into planting and caring for many of the tropical fruit tree seeds that we sell, like this article going over how to grow Ice Cream Bean. Great resources to have to ensure success when growing.
You can find our seed store by clicking the link here or top right corner of this page. I like to think we have a pretty easy to use website where you can purchase your seeds online with ease. In return, we have your seeds shipped to you in moist packets as quickly as possible so the seeds stay viable.
Help support our work by buying seeds from our Tropical Tree Seed Store.
Hawaii Island Seed Company
The newest of the bunch, the Hawaii Island Seed Company has just come on the scene providing locally adapted seed for the grower out of Hilo, Hi.
Their website is still getting setup, but you can find their seed at the Locavore store, Abundant Life, and Hilo Grow shop. They also have a facebook page setup, which would probably be the easiest way to learn more about them.
I like the seeds they have to offer, a mix of unique crops such as luffa, pigeon pea and moringa mixed with a few Hawaiian natives.
The seed packs are priced at $5 a pop, which seems a little high to me compared to what you get for the same $5 with the Hawaii Seed Growers Network, but they offer some seeds that the seed growers do not.
The Wrap Up
While Hawaii doesnʻt have the same amount of seed companies as the mainland, we have a remarkable amount of seed companies for a small state.
Start your garden with seeds from companies off of this list, then grow them out, save those seed, share them with your neighbors and grow them again next season.
Happy Gardening!
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