Herbiseed produces seeds which are outside the normal range of species supplied by the larger seed companies. We grow seeds of wild plants, weeds, pharmaceutical plants and other unusual species, selling them to users all round the world. We grow over 500 species at our production centres in England, Yugoslavia and South Africa. We also source a further 200 species from specialist seed producers, botanic gardens and amateur collectors around the world in response to customer demand.
If you would like to supply seed to Herbiseed, or work for us, click here.
Over the past 20 years, Herbiseed has accumulated a unique team of specialists in ecology, landscaping, small farmer agriculture, weed science and seed technology. These skills are applied in three main areas;
Small-scale production of specialist seeds
Vegetation establishment and management
Customer support.
SPECIALIST SEED PRODUCTION
Herbiseed grows a total of 30 hectares of seed crops at four sites established in temperate, Mediterranean and sub-tropical climates. Many of these species are weeds and wild flowers, for which there are no cultural blueprints. We grow relatively small areas of each species using appropriate small-scale technology and much hand labour. Part of our philosophy is to take great pains to ensure that the crop is grown free of weeds in order to ensure that the end product is not contaminated at harvest. It is harvested at the peak of physiological maturity and dried under controlled conditions to ensure maximum viability. Then it is processed with purpose-built equipment to remove spines, husks, awns and dust to ensure freedom from handling hazards and to make it as easy as possible to sow with mechanical equipment. It is then stored in controlled conditions until germination tests show that post harvest dormancy has declined.
VEGETATION ESTABLISHMENT AND MANAGEMENTHerbiseed seed and expertise is widely employed in wildflower landscaping, ecological habitat creation, reclamation and visual enhancement of industrial land, erosion control, weed management and agrochemical development. We advise on species suitable for particular soil types and project objectives, prepare species mixtures, and if required, project manage the plant establishment and subsequent site management.
In agricultural trials and agrochemical development we can assist with development of test methodology, species selection, seed rates and sowing methods. We can provide documentation on seed population source and treatment for formal ‘Good Laboratory Practice’ and ‘Good Field Practice’ (GLP and GFP)
CUSTOMER SUPPORTThe technical team at Herbiseed prides itself on providing scientifically based, practical advice in a user friendly manner. We respond to technical questions (preferably sent by our enquiry form, e-mail or fax to enable us to give a properly researched answer) within 24 hours.
Technical support is particularly important in advising on seed germination and species suitability, because wild plants - even weeds - are often more difficult to grow than crop plants. Agricultural crop species have undergone many generations of artificial selection to enable them to perform predictably and uniformly over a wide range of soil types. Natural selection has had exactly the opposite effect on many wild plants. Some wild plants have evolved adaptations to narrow ecological niches, often accompanied by a requirement for very specific conditions to stimulate seed germination. Needless to say, these characteristics can give problems when attempting to establish these species artificially, whether in the field or laboratory.
Part of the package for users of Herbiseed seed is our excellent technical service. Our range of leaflets: Herbiseed brief Weed Guides and Herbiseed Brief Wild Flower Guides provides basic information on frequently asked questions. They can be downloaded from this web site or sent by e-mail (ask: [email protected] ). For further information please e-mail us with your question
And finally, …… SEED SALES
We recognise that very often, the purchasing decision is made at the last minute before the seed is required. We have 600 species in stock and we dispatch orders received before 3 pm local time on the same day. Fax, phone or e-mail your order with your organisation’s order number or your credit card details and you are assured of our immediate attention.
If you need seed which is not in stock, we will apply our best endeavours to sourcing it for you.
We combine the friendly approach of a small company with the professional expertise of our scientists and the efficiency of our business manager. We would like to have you as our customer.
