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Unsolicited seeds

Get disposal guidance for unsolicited seeds

If you receive a package of seeds that you did not order, do NOT open the seed package. Follow the guidelines listed below.

Generally, these situations are often part of a “brushing scam” where people receive seed from a seller who posts false customer reviews to boost sales. However, sending this seed to USDA or disposing of it by one of the methods listed below is always advisable.

Option 1: Mail the seed package(s) to USDA

State Plant Health Director

USDA APHIS PPQ

4354 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd, Suite 150

Baton Rouge, LA 70816

Option 2: Render seeds/plants non-viable

Destruction options for unplanted seeds

Heat seeds in oven or by similar means

  • Preheat oven to 325F (163C).

  • Remove seeds for packaging and place seeds in a single layer on a baking pan (or cookie sheet) lined with tinfoil

  • Dispose of empty seed packet(s) in the trash.

  • Place seed in pre-heated oven for minimum of 30 minutes.

  • Remove the seed from oven and allow to cool.

  • Double bag the baked seeds in plastic bags and dispose of them in the trash.

Crush seeds to render them non-viable

  • Double bag the seeds in thick plastic bags.

  • Crush seeds with hammer or other method sufficiently to render them non-viable.

  • Dispose of the crushed, non-viable seed in the trash.

Destruction options for seeds/plants that were sowed in pots:

  • Remove the plants (including soil) and place inside a plastic bag. Use the thickest plastic bag available. Squeeze as much air out of the bag as possible. Seal the bag.

  • Place inside a second plastic bag. Squeeze as much air out of the bag as possible. Seal the second bag.

  • Dispose of the double-bagged plant material/soil into trash. Do not compost.

  • Dispose of the planting container in 2 trash bags as described above (recommended), or

  • Remove as much soil as possible from inside the pot with a paper towel.

  • Wash the planting container with soap and water to remove dirt.

  • Soak the planting container in a 10% bleach solution for 30 minutes, rinse and refrain from planting new material in the container for 12 months.

  • Collect runoff from washing the planting container and put it down the drain or toilet.

Destruction options for seeds/plants that were sowed in ground:

  • Remove the plants including the surrounding soil, including 3 inches of soil around the seeds/plants.

  • Where seed germination has not occurred, remove the soil presumed to contain the planted seeds.

  • Place seed/plants and soil material inside a plastic bag. Use the thickest plastic bag you have available. Squeeze as much air out of the bag as possible. Seal the bag.

  • Place the bag inside a second plastic bag. Squeeze as much air out of the bag as possible. Seal second bag.

  • Dispose of the double-bagged plant/seed/soil material in the trash. Do not compost.

  • Refrain from planting new plants in the affected area for 12 months and remove any plants that grow in the area.

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