Best Seeds for Hydroponics: From Herbs to Vegetables
Hydroponic gardening has been a longtime favorite for growers that want to maximize their harvest. Hydroponics allows one to tweak virtually all stimuli into being ideal for the specific plants being grown.
The biggest advantage of hydroponic growing is precise control. You can fine-tune the lighting, nutrients, water, air, and temperature. This has allowed not only for seasonal outdoor plants to be grown indoors, year-round, but has also empowered these indoor gardeners to better learn what makes the plants they grow thrive.
In other words, all factors affecting your garden’s health are stimuli. Indoor hydroponic gardens let you control these factors with precision. Over time of doing this professionally, one gains insight into exactly how much of what to give their garden, and when.
The reason we want to look at just the seed here is twofold:
First, a significant number of hydroponic growers have used cuttings or clippings exclusively in their gardens. Even growers with years of experience growing a wide variety of plants hydroponically can suddenly realize that they have never grown a plant up from a seed—only a clippings. We want to ensure quality information on seed germination and rooting in hydroponic systems.
Second, it seems strange to optimize all external stimuli but ignore the plant’s source material. This is often the very reason that one ends up in the aforementioned situation. We have previously covered grow lighting, temp. & humidity, nutrients, and even grow mediums – demonstrating that we think of things like lighting and humidity first, too. It is far too easy to underestimate the tiny seed.
Best Hydroponic Seeds: Assortments
In this section, you will find our thoughtfully curated picks for some of the best hydroponic-suitable seed options on the market.
We know you’re here because time is precious. Who wants to sort through pages of seed vendors? Most buy the same generic seeds in bulk and (maybe) repackaged them into smaller packets. As sad as it is, there are people out there selling seeds that don’t know the first thing about what they’re selling.
Horror stories abound of people getting bad seeds. They received seeds that won’t germinate, aren’t what they should be, or packets full of filler with few actual seeds.
We’ve gone out of our way to find legitimate seed farms, so you don’t have to worry about getting stuck with problems like these. After all, it’s not just the cost of the seed you lose to such, but the time and other resources as well.
Survival Garden Bugout Bag – 22,000 seeds across 34 varieties – Vegetables/herbs
Sustainable Seed Company is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Founded by “Farmer John” Fendley and Theo Bill in 2008, the company actually got its start in California. The founders chose “Sustainable Seed” after much thought. They wanted to show that sustainability guides all company decisions.
For example, Sustainable Seed Company sources its seed packaging and shipping materials by adhering to the industry’s most respected standards. These include Cradle to Cradle, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, and the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification.
Farmer John took inspiration from his grandmother’s robust garden, which relied on good seed to feed their large family. Dismayed by the lack of quality seeds on the market, he set out to revive heirloom varieties. He has succeeded on all fronts.
Sustainable Seed Co. sells organically certified heirloom seeds. The Bugout Bag, shown here, has 34 of them. If they were divided equally, it would be about 650 seeds per variety (they are never divided equally). The 34 varieties spread the spectrum of culinary vegetables and herbs; a complete list is available by clicking the link above.
Sow Right Seed Co. – Garden Flower Collection – 10 Varieties
The Sow Right Seed Co. is building a strong reputation as a family-owned seed farm that sources their product from their farm to yours. The result is a selection of Non-GMO heirloom varieties that have all been popular with farmers and gardeners for a long time.
This packet contains quality seed that is far superior to the generic dollar-store seed that dominates the flower seed market. Rest assured that what you plant will not only grow, but thrive! Selecting the most productive, healthy plants for seed-sourcing will ensure strong germination.
This assortment is put together by the farmers at Sow Right, and features ten of their favorite heirloom flower specimens. Whether you’re looking to liven up a flowerbed or you run a hydroponic nursery, this assortment will get/keep you going.
The 10 flower varieties are:
– Purple Coneflower – USDA Info
– Snapdragon, Tetra Mix – USDA Info
– Zinnia, California Giants – Wikipedia Link
– Shasta Daisy, Alaska – Wikipedia Link (like a common daisy in appearance, but larger)
– Cosmos, Candystripe – English Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Link
– Cape Daisy – Osteospermum barberiae
– Black-eyed Susan – Wikipedia Link
– Lupine, Russell – Wikipedia Link
– Aster, Powder Puff – Wikipedia Link
– Blanket Flower – Wikipedia Link
Survival Garden Heirloom Seed Assortment – 15,000 seeds across 32 varieties – Vegetables/herbs
This is a seed assortment similar to the previous in content, but offered from a different seed company. The aim is to create a balanced garden that offers good nutrition. This is similar to, and so is nearly everything else. The only obvious differences are the lack of organic certification and a slightly lower seed count. The specific counts are available by clicking the above link.
The Survival Garden kit featured here is the company’s only product, but it is so comprehensive to their mission that they honestly don’t need others.
The bag includes enough seed to start a robust farm-garden capable of providing nutritionally balanced food. Despite the lack of an organic certification, these seeds are organic in everything but paperwork. They are open-pollinated, Non-GMO, non-hybrid, and non-patent, heirloom varieties.
Rainbow Zinnia Mix – 2,000+ Flower Seeds
We added this Rainbow Zinnia Mix for any hydroponic growers. It will add some cheap, random color to their gardens.
Zinnias are crazy easy to get growing and bloom into beautifully vibrant flowers. This rainbow mix contains a big pack of over 2,000 seeds that cover a spectrum of colorful Zinnia varieties.
Zinnias grow readily in all North American climate zones, meaning they will readily adapt to any hydroponic system, regardless of light selection or humidity controls.
Popular Heirloom Lettuce & Leafy Vegetable Seed Assortment – 4,000+ Non-GMO seeds across 15 varieties
More and more people are learning the amazing benefits to growing their own lettuce hydroponically. Big, leafy plants always do well hydroponically, and lettuces are no exception.
This seed bundle includes 15 popular heirloom lettuce varieties, including Kale, Spinach, Arugula, Oak, Romaine, Iceberg, and Butter. It also has a few other kinds.
Grow several varieties at once or try one at a time. Absolutely perfect for vegan and vegetarian growers that have an interest in knowing where their food comes from.
This kit includes everything you need. It has plant markers, over 4,000 seeds from 15 strains of lettuce, and a detailed planting guide to help you get started. Or, you could just bookmark us here.
| Related: Should You Start Hydroponic Plants from Seeds? |
Hydroponic-Ready Seed Starting Supplies
Ok, so now that you’re linked to some great, high-quality hydroponic seed assortments, it’s time to look at the equipment you’ll need to get growing.
Remember – we’re not looking at the various hydroponic systems in play, we’re only looking at what you need to germinate your new seeds and prepare them for transplanting.
At a bare minimum, you’ll want:
– a grow tray with a lid (preferably vented to control humidity)
– a warming mat to place under the tray (to ensure germination)
– a medium to germinate the seed in, such as rockwool
– water (½ strength nutrient solution can be preferable)
We found an ideal “grower’s kit” for you. It has the right amounts of basic tools for both hobbyists and pros.
10-Pack of 10” x 22” Grow Trays
This multi-pack of grow trays is the perfect complement to any and every hydroponic setup. These trays are perfect for germinating your rockwool cubes. They also catch any liquid from your system.
Available in bulk sizes as well (Qty. 5, 10, 50, or 100), these trays are an economic solution to a wide variety of hydroponic gardening tasks.
Yield Lab 7 Inch Propagation & Humidity Vented Domes (10 Pack)
This 10-Pack of clear humidity-control lids is manufactured to fit the standard 10” x 20” grow trays listed above. Each lid features dual humidity-control vents that can be used to provide precise chamber humidity, evenly.
Letting fresh air into the chamber while keeping the humidity from germination will help prevent mildew, mold, rot, and some pests.
Sure, you can find cheaper lids that don’t have the vents, but it’s honestly so much better to just go ahead and invest in the ventable lids. The plastic of the cheaper lids is far too thin and brittle to effectively cut for DIY venting. Even if you could easily cut it, the dial-vent is going to be hard to replicate for any level of accuracy in humidity control.
VIVOSUN 2 Pack Durable Waterproof Seedling Heat Mat
This is a pair of the matching 10”x 20.75” heat mats for the other seed-growing supplies listed above.
Each heating mat is waterproof by design and engineered to maintain a temperature ~10 -20 above the ambient room temperature. The mats feature a 5.7 foot cord that fits standard 120V outlets. Their waterproof nature makes for easy scrubbing and cleaning, and is perfect for use with hydroponics.
If you compare these mats with some of the others out there, you might notice the higher efficiency of this product. Most of the 10” x 20” heating pads draw 20 watts each, while this particular model only draws 18W. It doesn’t sound like much, but in commercial operations where dozens of mats are used simultaneously, all day long, the savings can add up.
Can Seeds Grow in Just Water?
Normally, plants require nutrients that cannot be found in plain water, although seeds can be germinated in plain water.
Watering regularly dissolves and releases nutrients that are embedded in the soil in outdoor growing.
In hydroponic growing, water is the base of your nutrient solution. Mix it as your nutrient vendor’s instructions.
Virtually all plants need three things to grow healthily – light, water, and nutrients. The leaves absorb CO2 and the roots absorb oxygen. But, those first three things are considered fundamental for growing anything by professionals all over the world.
Hydroponic gardening has been a longtime favorite for growers that want to maximize their harvest. Hydroponics allows one to tweak virtually all stimuli into being ideal for the specific plants being grown.
The biggest advantage to growing hydroponically has been the flexibility in controlling the lighting, nutrients, water, air, temperature, etc. down to very precise levels. This has allowed not only for seasonal outdoor plants to be grown indoors, year-round, but has also empowered these indoor gardeners to better learn what makes the plants they grow thrive.
In other words, all the environmental factors contributing to your garden’s health count as stimuli, and indoor hydroponic gardens allow you to not only control these factors but to do so with precision. Over time of doing this professionally, one gains insight into exactly how much of what to give their garden, and when.
The reason we want to look at just the seed here is twofold:
First, a significant number of hydroponic growers have used cuttings or clippings exclusively in their gardens. Even growers with years of experience growing a wide variety of plants hydroponically can suddenly realize that they have never grown a plant up from a seed—only a clippings. Therefore, we want to make sure there is quality information available regarding the germination and rooting of seeds in hydroponic gardening systems.
Second, it seems counterintuitive to focus on optimizing every other external stimuli without giving any consideration to the source material of the plant itself. This is often the very reason that one ends up in the aforementioned situation. We have previously covered grow lighting, temp. & humidity, nutrients, and even grow mediums – demonstrating that we think of things like lighting and humidity first, too. It is far too easy to underestimate the tiny seed.
Best Hydroponic Seeds: Assortments
In this section, you will find our thoughtfully curated picks for some of the best hydroponic-suitable seed options on the market.
We know you’re here because time is precious. Who wants to sort through pages of seed vendors – most of whom are buying the same generic seeds in bulk and (maybe) repackaging them into smaller packets? As sad as it is, there are people out there selling seeds that don’t know the first thing about what they’re selling.
Horror stories abound of people getting seeds that won’t germinate, seeds that aren’t what they’re supposed to be, or even packets full of filler with few actual seeds at all.
We’ve gone out of our way to find legitimate seed farms, so you don’t have to worry about getting stuck with problems like these. After all, it’s not just the cost of the seed you lose to such, but the time and other resources as well.
Survival Garden Bugout Bag – 22,000 seeds across 34 varieties – Vegetables/herbs
Sustainable Seed Company is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Founded by “Farmer John” Fendley and Theo Bill in 2008, the company actually got its start in California. The company’s name, “Sustainable Seed”, was given much thought as the two looked to express how sustainability is prioritized throughout the company’s decision-making.
For example, Sustainable Seed Company sources the seed packaging and shipping materials they use by adhering to the most rigorous and respected standards in the industry, including Cradle to Cradle, Sustainable Forestry Initiative, and the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification.
Farmer John took inspiration from his grandmother’s robust garden, which relied on good seed to feed their large family. Dismayed at the shortage of quality seeds available on the market, he took on the crusade of bringing heirloom varieties back to the mainstream, and has seen resounding success on all fronts.
Sustainable Seed Co.’s products are organically certified heirloom varieties, and the Bugout Bag shown here includes 34 of them. If they were divided equally, it would be about 650 seeds per variety (they are never divided equally). The 34 varieties spread the spectrum of culinary vegetables and herbs; a complete list is available by clicking the link above.
Sow Right Seed Co. – Garden Flower Collection – 10 Varieties
The Sow Right Seed Co. is building a strong reputation as a family-owned seed farm that sources their product from their farm to yours. The result is a selection of Non-GMO heirloom varieties that have all been popular with farmers and gardeners for a long time.
This packet contains quality seed that is far superior to the generic dollar-store seed that dominates the flower seed market. Rest assured that what you plant will not only grow, but thrive! Hand-selecting the most productive and healthy plants for seed-sourcing works to ensure healthy and robust germination.
This assortment is put together by the farmers at Sow Right, and features ten of their favorite heirloom flower specimens. Whether you’re looking to liven up a flowerbed or you run a hydroponic nursery, this assortment will get/keep you going.
The 10 flower varieties are:
– Purple Coneflower – USDA Info
– Snapdragon, Tetra Mix – USDA Info
– Zinnia, California Giants – Wikipedia Link
– Shasta Daisy, Alaska – Wikipedia Link
(like a common daisy in appearance, but larger)
– Cosmos, Candystripe – English Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Link
– Cape Daisy – Osteospermum barberiae
– Black-eyed Susan – Wikipedia Link
– Lupine, Russell – Wikipedia Link
– Aster, Powder Puff – Wikipedia Link
– Blanket Flower – Wikipedia Link
Survival Garden Heirloom Seed Assortment – 15,000 seeds across 32 varieties – Vegetables/herbs
This is a seed assortment similar to the previous in content, but offered from a different seed company. The focus on providing a well-rounded garden that provides a healthy balance of nutrition is comparable, as is nearly everything else. The only obvious differences are the lack of organic certification and a slightly lower seed count. The specific counts are available by clicking the above link.
The Survival Garden kit featured here is the company’s only product, but it is so comprehensive to their mission that they honestly don’t need others.
The bag includes enough seed to start a robust farm-garden capable of providing nutritionally balanced food. Despite the lack of an organic certification, these seeds are organic in everything but paperwork. They are open-pollinated, Non-GMO, non-hybrid, and non-patent, heirloom varieties.
Rainbow Zinnia Mix – 2,000+ Flower Seeds
We threw in this Rainbow Zinnia Mix for any hydroponic growers that might be interested in some affordable splashes of random color in their garden.
Zinnias are crazy easy to get growing and bloom into beautifully vibrant flowers. This rainbow mix contains a big pack of over 2,000 seeds that cover a spectrum of colorful Zinnia varieties.
Zinnias grow readily in all North American climate zones, meaning they will readily adapt to any hydroponic system, regardless of light selection or humidity controls.
Popular Heirloom Lettuce & Leafy Vegetable Seed Assortment – 4,000+ Non-GMO seeds across 15 varieties
More and more people are learning the amazing benefits to growing their own lettuce hydroponically. Big, leafy plants always do well hydroponically, and lettuces are no exception.
This seed bundle includes 15 of the most popular heirloom lettuce varieties, including Kale, Spinach, Arugula, Oak, Romaine, Iceberg, and Butter, along with a few other kinds as well.
Grow several varieties at once or try one at a time. Absolutely perfect for vegan and vegetarian growers that have an interest in knowing where their food comes from.
This kit includes everything you need, including plant markers, over 4,000 seeds from the 15 different strains of lettuce greens, and a detailed planting guide to help you get started – or you could just bookmark us here, of course.
| Related: Should You Start Hydroponic Plants from Seeds? |
Hydroponic-Ready Seed Starting Supplies
Ok, so now that you’re linked to some great, high-quality hydroponic seed assortments, it’s time to look at the equipment you’ll need to get growing.
Remember – we’re not looking at the various hydroponic systems in play, we’re only looking at what you need to germinate your new seeds and prepare them for transplanting.
At a bare minimum, you’ll want:
– a grow tray with a lid (preferably vented to control humidity)
– a warming mat to place under the tray (to ensure germination)
– a medium to germinate the seed in, such as rockwool
– water (½ strength nutrient solution can be preferable)
For your convenience, we’ve sought out an ideal “grower’s kit” that includes these basic necessities in quantities that accommodate both hobbyists and professional gardeners alike.
10-Pack of 10” x 22” Grow Trays
This multi-pack of grow trays is the perfect complement to any and every hydroponic setup. These trays are ideal for germinating your rockwool cubes and double as drip pans for the inevitable moment you need to catch some liquid from somewhere in your system.
Available in bulk sizes as well (Qty. 5, 10, 50, or 100), these trays are an economic solution to a wide variety of hydroponic gardening tasks.
Yield Lab 7 Inch Propagation & Humidity Vented Domes (10 Pack)
This 10-Pack of clear humidity-control lids is manufactured to fit the standard 10” x 20” grow trays listed above. Each lid features dual humidity-control vents that can be used to provide precise chamber humidity, evenly.
Allowing fresh air to move through the chamber while still maintaining the humidity created during germination will help prevent any potential mildewing, mold, or rot as well as certain moisture-seeking pests.
Sure, you can find cheaper lids that don’t have the vents, but it’s honestly so much better to just go ahead and invest in the ventable lids. The plastic of the cheaper lids is far too thin and brittle to effectively cut for DIY venting. Even if you could easily cut it, the dial-vent is going to be hard to replicate for any level of accuracy in humidity control.
VIVOSUN 2 Pack Durable Waterproof Seedling Heat Mat
This is a pair of the matching 10”x 20.75” heat mats for the other seed-growing supplies listed above.
Each heating mat is waterproof by design and engineered to maintain a temperature ~10 -20 above the ambient room temperature. The mats feature a 5.7 foot cord that fits standard 120V outlets. Their waterproof nature makes for easy scrubbing and cleaning, and is perfect for use with hydroponics.
If you compare these mats with some of the others out there, you might notice the higher efficiency of this product. Most of the 10” x 20” heating pads draw 20 watts each, while this particular model only draws 18W. It doesn’t sound like much, but in commercial operations where dozens of mats are used simultaneously, all day long, the savings can add up.
