FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions – Southern Harvest Seeds
Below you’ll find answers to the questions we get asked most about buying, sowing and growing vegetable, herb and flower seeds with Southern Harvest.
If you don’t see your question here, just get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.
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SEED QUALITY:
Are your seeds genetically modified (GMO)?
No. All Southern Harvest seed is strictly non-GMO.
What’s the difference between heirloom, open-pollinated and hybrid seeds?
Heirloom and open-pollinated seeds breed true, so you can save seed each season. Hybrid (F1) seeds are a first-generation cross that offers extra vigour but won’t reproduce identical offspring.
Do you sell organic seed?
Many lines are grown organically. Over 95% of our seed is untreated, however we do stock some 'treated' seed, this is clearly marked in the product description.
Check each product page for details.
What is the “Sow Before” date of my seeds?
We print a recommended sow by date on each packet. Stored well, most seeds stay viable far longer (see Storage FAQ).
ORDERING & SHIPPING:
Can you mail to PO Box?
Yes we accept postal boxes (PO Box) as a delivery option. The system will try and find a street address but if you type in your PO Box number and address, then tab or click through to the next field/line in the address you will be fine.
I live in WA – can you post orders to me?
Yes but we ask that you email us directly as Western Australia does have strict quarantine restrictions and inspection fees.
Purchasers should check on the permitted species for the latest information. From 1st July 2013 WA Quarantine will be charging an inspection fee for all seed imported into WA. The current fees/charges are paid by the customer (invoiced by WA Quarantine direct to the purchaser, you are not charged at our end).
I don’t live in Australia – can I place an order?
Sorry, we currently ship within Australia only.
Do you have a bricks-and-mortar store I can visit?
We operate online-only from our farm in southern Tasmania.
How long will it take to process and post my order?
Orders leave our warehouse within 2-3 business days. Australia Post: Standard 3–7 days, Express 1–4 days (metro).
Do you combine postage – what does it cost?
See our 'Ordering & Payment' page for current rates.
SOWING & GROWING:
How should I store my seeds?
Cool (5–15 °C), dark and dry—the back of the pantry, a south facing room or the fridge in an airtight jar is suitable. Avoid garden sheds as temperature and humidity varies greatly.
How long will your seeds stay viable?
Most veg seeds last 2–5 years if stored correctly; parsnips are best within 18 months.
Why didn’t my seeds germinate?
Common causes: wrong temperature, uneven moisture, sowing too deep/shallow or very old seed. Check our crop-specific growing notes.
We do lots of germination tests, occasionally rates can drop off quicker than expected so if you are having problems please contact us to see if we can help with any germination tips or we will re-do the tests.
When is the best time to sow seeds in my climate?
Use our free Interactive Sowing Guide—choose cool, temperate or subtropical/tropical zone for tailored timings.
Do I need to soak or chill seeds before sowing?
Usually not. Hard-coated seeds (e.g. beetroot, peas) like a 4-hour soak; some perennials need cold stratification—any special treatment is printed on the packet.
GIFT CARDS:
Do you sell gift vouchers?
Yes—digital gift cards can be found here, they last for 3 years.
How do I redeem a gift voucher I received?
Enter the code in the Discount / Gift Card box at checkout; the balance applies automatically.
I received a gift subscription – how do I activate it?
Follow the link in your email, log in or create an account and schedule your first delivery. Need help? Contact us.
ACCOUNTS & WEBSITE:
Do I need to register to place an order?
No, guest checkout is fine—but an account saves addresses, wish-lists and order history.
Why should I register?
Registered customers can track orders, see your order history and manage subscriptions.
Can I clear the entire contents of my shopping cart?
Yes—click Remove all items in the cart. If the button’s missing, refresh your browser or clear its cache.
I can’t remove an out-of-stock item from my cart—what should I do?
Change its quantity to 0 and hit Update. Still stuck? Clear your cache or email us and we’ll fix it.
BULK & WHOLESALE:
Do you offer bulk seed packets?
Yes—some varieties are available in larger quantities. See our Bulk Seed collection or request a custom quote.
Can I request a variety you don’t list?
Absolutely. Tell us what you need and we’ll try to source it from one of our growers, try to squeeze it into our growing schedule or suggest close alternatives.
PAYMENTS & RETURNS:
What payment methods do you accept?
Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, PayPal, Shop Pay, Apple Pay.