The Seed Mix-up of 2023

If you have gardened or talked to others who gardened in 2023, you have probably heard of the seed mix-up happening nationwide. While seed mix-ups aren’t entirely uncommon on a small scale, this is the first time the issue has happened on such a large scale across the country.

This year’s seed mix-up was initially dubbed “peppergate” by gardening communities because the issue first appeared in peppers. The problem first showed up with jalapeño peppers that were not jalapeño peppers but a yellow banana type pepper or a hot wax pepper. Some people also had a mix-up on their bell peppers with hot or other bell peppers. To make things even more confusing, it wasn’t just gardeners who started seeds at home that were impacted, but also garden centers and national wholesalers, so some people bought a pack of peppers and ended up with a mix of several different types of peppers, none of which might be what you wanted.

Once things started to settle down with the peppers, it was discovered that peppers weren’t the only vegetable mixed up. Several varieties of tomato plants have been mixed up, ranging from cherry varieties instead of romas and heirloom varieties with hybrids. While the peppers and tomatoes seem to be just a mix-up of varieties, many gardeners also report getting completely different plants from what they had ordered, including thyme seeds that were dill, petunias that ended up being lettuce seeds instead, and lettuce seeds that ended up being tomatoes. Many issues have been linked to one company that grows seeds for several national chains; however, problems with other seed companies have been noted, including poor germination and seed quality. This issue is especially frustrating for many gardeners since the peppers and tomato issues are missed till the vegetables start to set on fruit and people realize that wasn’t the plant they initially thought it was. By then, it was too late to plant anything else, provided you could find a seed that was actually what it was supposed to be.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much we can do now if you were one of the people affected. It is essential to keep a record of what wrong seeds you purchased and let the companies know so they know what all is mixed up. If you started your vegetables from seed and it’s not a variety you like, it’s best to eliminate that seed. While this isn’t the gardening year many had planned, it can still be successful. I plan to enjoy the cherry tomato, which I didn’t plan on, by making BLT wraps and salads instead.

 

Have questions? Contact our office where our Horticulture Extension Agent will assist you with questions.

Phone: (316) 321-9660

Email: callae@ksu.edu