FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Seeds & Labelling
May I share the seeds?
Yes – our seeds are intended for sharing. You can pass them on to friends, neighbours or community gardens.
Is your seed organically certified?
We deliberately choose not to pursue paid organic certification, as it is often not economically viable for small, independent initiatives. Nevertheless, we meet all relevant standards and work ecologically – without genetic engineering, synthetic additives or hybridisation. Some of our varieties have already been organically certified by other growers.
Are your seeds free from hybrids and genetic engineering?
Yes, our seeds are guaranteed to be free from hybrid breeding methods, genetic engineering and biotechnological processes. They are neither patented nor protected by plant variety rights, and may therefore be freely propagated and shared.
Where do your varieties come from?
Our varieties come from our own seed propagation, from other seed stewards and from wild collections. We collaborate with initiatives, breeders, associations, networks and conservation projects across Europe to preserve the widest possible diversity of varieties – from vegetables and fruit to medicinal and wild plants.
You will find the precise origin in the product description.
You will find the precise origin in the product description.
How long do the seeds remain viable?
Our seeds generally remain viable for at least 2 to 4 years (depending on the species) when stored in a cool, dry and light‑protected place – many varieties last significantly longer, in some cases up to 40 years. Germination capacity depends on the plant species and storage conditions, and can remain stable or even increase after longer storage.
You will find the exact, species‑specific germination capacity in the product description.
For optimal results, we recommend storing the seeds in airtight, dark and well‑sealed containers.
Further recommendations for optimal storage at home can be found at the following link: Storage
Word meanings & Definitions
Open‑pollinated seeds
“Open‑pollinated” means that plants grown from this seed produce fertile, true‑to‑type seeds that you can sow again the following year – with the same characteristics as before.
In contrast to hybrid varieties, which do not pass on their traits reliably, open‑pollinated seed remains reproducible and adaptable over generations – maintaining stability while continuing to evolve with its environment.
Organically propagated
“Organically propagated” means that the seed is produced under ecological conditions – without genetic engineering, synthetic pesticides or artificial fertilisers. The plants from which the seed originates are grown naturally and traditionally over many generations.
This creates seeds that is fully integrated into the ecological cycle and meets the standards of organic agriculture – from cultivation to propagation.
Traditional
“Traditional” refers to varieties based on proven, natural breeding methods and characterised by their cultural, regional or historical significance. This includes old cultivated varieties and wild forms, as well as newer breeding lines that build on these foundations and carry forward the principles of seed‑saving, diversity and sustainability – across generations.
Traditional varieties are open‑pollinated, meaning they can be naturally reproduced, remain true to type and can be shared by gardeners themselves. They are often adapted to specific regions, support biodiversity and contribute to food sovereignty – preserving resilience and cultural value across generations.
Open‑pollinated variety
“Open‑pollinated variety” refers to plants whose seeds are not restricted by patents or plant‑variety protection rights. These varieties may be freely shared, saved and reproduced – whether in private, community or agricultural settings.
They are a key element of food sovereignty and biodiversity, as they ensure open access to seed and strengthen independence from corporate control – supporting resilient, community‑driven seed systems.
Open‑pollinated crop
A “open‑pollinated crop” is a plant that has emerged without industrial breeding, plant‑variety protection or licensing restrictions, and may be freely reproduced, shared and cultivated. It is based on open pollination and remains genetically stable, allowing it to grow true to type from seed – generation after generation.
Open‑pollinated crop plants are not patented, not hybridised (F1) and not genetically modified. They are particularly suitable for home gardens, self‑sufficiency, conservation work and for anyone who wishes to save their own seed – supporting resilient, community‑based cultivation systems.
Ancestral wild form
“Ancestral wild form” are plant species that have not been altered through breeding and occur in their natural state. They possess high genetic diversity and are often particularly resilient to environmental conditions – making them valuable for conservation and ecological cultivation.
These wild forms form the foundation of many modern crop plants and are essential for maintaining diversity and ecological adaptability – providing genetic resources that support resilience, breeding work and long‑term sustainability.
Heritage variety
“Heritage varieties” are food and crop plants that have been passed down through generations and originated largely, though not exclusively, before the introduction of industrial breeding methods – preserving traditional traits, regional identity and long‑established cultivation knowledge.
They are regionally adapted, often particularly valuable in flavour or nutritional quality, and reflect cultural heritage and agricultural traditions. Their preservation contributes to biodiversity and food sovereignty – strengthening resilient, community‑rooted cultivation systems.
A variety is considered historical when it:
- has arisen through targeted breeding
- was introduced before the 1950s
- is not patented or hybridised
- is open‑pollinated and capable of true‑to‑type reproduction
- holds cultural or regional significance
- has been passed down unchanged for several generations
Landrace
A “landrace” describes a plant with unclear or not fully documented origins that has been passed on regionally over a long period of time and maintained by gardeners – shaped by local use, selection and adaptation.
It is a locally adapted population, usually developed over generations, that has formed through natural selection and farmer‑led selection – without targeted modern breeding.
Characteristics of a landrace
- Emergence through local use and adaptation to regional conditions
- High genetic diversity, resulting in robustness and resilience
- Natural variability in appearance, growth and yield
Modern classic variety
A "modern classic variety" refers to varieties that have gained an established place in garden culture through targeted breeding, official introduction and broad adoption. They generally originated after the 2000s and are already regarded as proven, popular and reliable.
They are not old enough to be considered historical or traditional, but through their use and recognition they have already achieved a classic status.
Characteristics of a modern classic variety
- Targeted breeding – clear breeding goals such as flavour, yield or resistance
- Official introduction – often registered in variety lists
- Uniform appearance – stable in looks, yield and true‑to‑type propagation
- Wide distribution – popular in both home and professional gardening
- Proven qualities – often perceived as a “family classic” or “trusted variety”
Modern classic varieties combine breeding progress with proven practical performance.
They stand between traditional varieties and modern new introductions and, through their reliability, have earned a firm place in everyday gardening.
They stand between traditional varieties and modern new introductions and, through their reliability, have earned a firm place in everyday gardening.
Traditional cultivation form
The term describes the way a plant is grown and used, regardless of whether it is a landrace or a historical variety. It is a usage category, not a genetic or breeding classification.
At the centre is the practical, non‑industrial form of cultivation as it is maintained in home gardens, self‑sufficiency and community projects.
Biodynamic
Biodynamic agriculture is an extension of organic farming that is based on old cultivation methods. It is founded on the ideas of the anthroposophist Rudolf Steiner from 1924 and follows a holistic approach.
- Circular economy: The farm is viewed as a living organism in which crop production and animal husbandry complement each other.
- Avoidance of chemicals: No synthetic pesticides or artificial fertilisers are used.
- Biodynamic preparations: Special plant‑based and mineral mixtures are applied to support soil fertility and plant vitality.
- Cosmic rhythms: Sowing, care and harvesting are partly aligned with moon phases and other natural cycles.
- Demeter label: Products from biodynamic agriculture often carry the Demeter certification – one of the strictest organic labels worldwide.
The aim is to produce healthy food that is in harmony with nature and the environment, with a particular focus on soil life, biodiversity and long‑term fertility.
Indeterminate & determinate
These terms describe the growth behaviour of a plant and are used mainly for tomatoes, but also for beans, peas, peppers/chillies, cucumbers, cucurbits and some climbing ornamental plants.
Indeterminate (unlimited growth)
Indeterminate plants continue to grow as long as conditions allow.
They keep producing new flowers and fruits, can reach considerable height and therefore require support structures.
A long harvesting period is typical, as new fruit clusters are formed continuously.
They keep producing new flowers and fruits, can reach considerable height and therefore require support structures.
A long harvesting period is typical, as new fruit clusters are formed continuously.
Determinate (limited growth)
Determinate plants grow only to a defined final height.
They set their flowers and fruits within a more compact time frame and then largely stop growing.
They remain compact, usually require less support and are well suited to pots, small gardens and early harvests.
They set their flowers and fruits within a more compact time frame and then largely stop growing.
They remain compact, usually require less support and are well suited to pots, small gardens and early harvests.
Lifespan
The lifespan describes how long a plant lives biologically – from germination to its natural death. It covers the entire species‑typical life cycle and is independent of how long the plant is actually cultivated or used.
What the lifespan includes:
- Biological total duration of a plant
- Species‑dependent life cycle: annual, biennial or perennial
- Independence from harvest or use – a plant can continue to live even when it is no longer cultivated
The lifespan is not the same as the cultivation period.
A plant can continue to live biologically for a long time, even though its productive phase has already ended.
A plant can continue to live biologically for a long time, even though its productive phase has already ended.
Cultivation period
The cultivation period describes the time during which a plant is actively cultivated and used – from germination through the first harvest to the end of its productive phase. It ends as soon as the plant no longer provides usable yield or horticultural benefit, even though it could continue to live biologically.
What the cultivation period includes:
- Sowing to first harvest
- Entire productive phase (e.g. several harvest waves)
- End of use when yield or quality decline
The cultivation period is not the same as the botanical lifespan, but a practical span of cultivation and use.
Yield period
The yield period describes the span in which a plant produces usable yield – such as fruits, leaves, seeds or other harvestable parts. It begins with the start of the first harvest and ends once the plant no longer provides sufficient quantity or quality of yield, even though it may continue to live biologically.
What the yield period includes:
- Start of the harvest phase – as soon as the first fruits or leaves are ripe
- Active yield period – continuous or wave‑like harvesting
- End of economic use – when yield or quality decline
The yield period is shorter than the cultivation period and significantly shorter than the lifespan.
It describes only the phase in which harvesting takes place, not the entire time the plant lives or is cared for.
It describes only the phase in which harvesting takes place, not the entire time the plant lives or is cared for.
Purchase & Ordering
Which payment methods are accepted?
We accept all common payment methods:
- Credit cards / bank cards
- SEPA bank transfer
- Multibanco
- PayPal
- Klarna
- Wero
- Blik
- Bancontact
- Shop Pay
- Google Pay
- Apple Pay
- Mobile Pay
The available options will be shown to you during the checkout process. Further information about the payment methods can be found at the following page: Payment
Is there a minimum order quantity?
There is no minimum order quantity with us. You can order exactly as needed.
From an ecological perspective, and to help us keep our prices low, we kindly ask that you order several varieties together or join up with others. This helps to consolidate shipping routes, reduce packaging waste, and use resources more efficiently.
Can I also order larger quantities for community gardens?
Yes. You can also order larger quantities from us for community gardens, initiatives, or projects. Many of our varieties are particularly well suited for this and are already packaged separately as bulk quantities.
For larger orders, we can offer personal guidance if you wish – helping you combine varietal diversity, sustainability, and ecological impact in the best possible way.
How do I receive my invoice?
Your invoice is automatically sent to you by email as soon as your order has been completed. You can also download it at any time in your customer account.
If you haven’t received an invoice, please check your spam folder or contact us — we can resend it to you at any time.
Can I change or cancel my order?
As long as your order has not yet been dispatched, you can change or cancel it individually. Please contact us as quickly as possible by email, phone or via our chat — as we usually ship orders within 24 hours. Once the order has been dispatched, changes or cancellations are unfortunately no longer possible.
Can I revoke my order?
Since we have no influence on the storage, handling, or sowing of the seeds after dispatch, we cannot guarantee their germination capacity after purchase. For this reason, a withdrawal – with exceptions – is generally excluded.
Exceptions for a withdrawal
With naturally produced seed, it can occasionally happen that individual batches do not germinate as expected. If this occurs despite carefully following our guidance and the sowing instructions, we kindly ask you to let us know — ideally with a brief description of your exact sowing procedure. This allows us to review what might have caused the issue and support you more effectively.
How you can withdraw your order
Contact us via the chat button on our website. We take the time to review your case individually and find a fair solution together. If a withdrawal is justified, you will of course receive the appropriate credit or a replacement.
Our aim is always to find solutions together and keep crop diversity alive. Your feedback helps us improve quality and understand possible causes.
How long does shipping take?
We usually dispatch orders within 24 hours of receiving them. Delivery times are as follows:
- to Portugal: 1–2 business days
- within Europe: approx. 4 business days
- to the USA: approx. 8 business days
- to other countries and continents: approx. 5 business days
Please note that delays may occur on public holidays. You can find more information on our Shipping Information page
Do you also ship abroad?
Yes, we ship worldwide! Whether you live in Europe, the USA, or on another continent – we deliver reliably and quickly.
Delivery times vary depending on the destination, but generally range between 1 and 8 business days. You can find further details on our Shipping Information page
How can I track my order?
As soon as your order has been packed and handed over to the shipping service, you will automatically receive an email with your tracking number. Using the link in that email, you can check the current status, the transport route, and the estimated delivery date at any time.
To track your order, use the following link: Tracking
You can also find the option to track your order afterwards in the main menu under Shop Info, in the footer menu, or in your customer account.
The tracking only becomes active once the parcel has been scanned by the shipping provider for the first time. Before that, it is possible that no data is displayed yet.
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes. For orders of 30 € within Portugal and 60 € worldwide, you automatically benefit from free shipping. As soon as your cart reaches the required amount, the shipping cost in the checkout is set to “FREE” – without any code or additional step.
How does free shipping work?
- Automatic activation – once the minimum order value is reached
- Valid for all products – no exceptions
- Transparent display at checkout – shipping is immediately marked as “FREE”
- Tracking included – tracking is always provided
Which delivery service do you use?
Wir versenden alle Bestellungen zuverlässig mit CTT Express. Der Dienstleister bietet eine schnelle Zustellung, eine sichere Paketabwicklung und eine Sendungsverfolgung in Echtzeit.
Where can I pickup my order?
You can pick up your order at our markets in the Algarve and Alentejo or directly at our nursery in Cortes Pereiras (Santa Clara a Velha). Enter the desired collection location in the remarks field in the shopping cart so that we can prepare your order there for you.
Further information can be found under pickup
Initiative & Background
What is the idea behind Benjis Seeds?
At the heart of our work is the protection of plant diversity and the sharing of knowledge that would otherwise be lost.
Benjis Seeds sees itself as a conservation and educational initiative: a place where crop diversity is protected, shared and kept alive – for food sovereignty and independence from industrial systems.
Is Benjis Seeds a commercial company?
No. Benjis Seeds is not a commercial company, but a community‑oriented initiative dedicated to preserving and sharing open‑pollinated, traditional and freely reproducible cultivated plants. Our aim is to protect plant diversity, make knowledge accessible and safeguard varieties that might otherwise be lost due to prevailing systems.
How do you support biodiversity?
Benjis Seeds supports biodiversity by preserving, cultivating and sharing open‑pollinated, freely reproducible cultivated and wild plants. Every variety we maintain helps protect genetic diversity, preserve regional adaptations and promote plants that thrive without industrial breeding or additives. Our aim is to keep diversity alive rather than lose it to uniform standards.
How we actively promote biodiversity:
- Preserving heritage varieties – safeguarding genetically diverse, traditional plants
- Open pollination – natural reproduction without patents or intervention
- Free cultivated plants – true to type, reproducible, without variety protection
- Strengthening regional adaptations – supporting robust plants suited to different climates
- Sharing knowledge – enabling people to preserve and pass on varieties themselves
Every variety that is grown, shared and passed on is an active contribution to preserving our plant future.
Why is food sovereignty important?
Food sovereignty means that people can decide for themselves what they grow, eat and pass on – independent of industrial requirements, patents or global corporate structures. It is important because it protects access to diverse, healthy and freely reproducible cultivated plants, and strengthens communities that want to shape their own food systems. Food sovereignty creates freedom, resilience and genuine choice.
What strengthens food sovereignty:
- Free access to seed – without patents, licences or variety protection
- Diversity instead of dependency – robust, regional varieties rather than uniform hybrids
- Supporting self‑sufficiency – enabling people to save and share their own seed
- Preserving knowledge – keeping traditional cultivation practices alive
- Strengthening communities – local networks instead of global dependencies
Food sovereignty is not a luxury, but a foundation for healthy nutrition, ecological stability and cultural diversity. It begins with the seed – and grows with every garden that keeps it alive.
Why is varietal diversity so important?
Varietal diversity is essential because it forms the genetic foundation of our food. Each variety carries unique characteristics – from flavour and nutrients to resilience against climate, pests or disease. When diversity is lost, these traits disappear forever. Varietal diversity therefore protects not only our gardens, but also our future resilience, food security and cultural identity.
What shapes varietal diversity:
- Genetic resilience – diversity protects against crop failures and monoculture risks
- Flavour & quality – traditional varieties often offer richer aromas and better nutrient profiles
- Regional adaptation – robust varieties adapted to local climate and soil
- Cultural heritage – old varieties preserve history, tradition and craftsmanship
- Seed sovereignty – open‑pollinated varieties can be saved, shared and passed on
Every variety that grows in a garden is an active contribution against the loss of our plant diversity.
Why must freely reproducible seed be protected?
Freely reproducible seeds must be protected because it forms the foundation of our food sovereignty and varietal diversity. Open‑pollinated, seed‑true varieties allow people to remain independent – from patents, licences and industrial requirements. If this seed is lost, we lose not only genetic diversity but also the right to reproduce, adapt and pass on plants ourselves.
Why this protection matters:
- Preserving genetic diversity – each variety carries unique, irreplaceable traits
- Independence from corporations – free varieties remain in the hands of the community
- Securing the right to save seed – seed may be collected, shared and passed on
- Maintaining regional adaptation – robust varieties suited to different climates
- Protecting cultural heritage – traditional varieties carry stories and craftsmanship
Freely reproducible seed is a shared cultural heritage. If we do not actively preserve it, it will be displaced by hybrids, patents and industrial standards – and with it, lost forever.
Can I support you or get involved?
Yes. Benjis Seeds thrives because people take part, support the work and carry diversity forward. Every form of involvement – through orders, growing, sharing, feedback or small contributions – helps to preserve old varieties, make knowledge accessible and strengthen the initiative in the long term. You can become part of the community in many ways and contribute in the way that suits you.
How you can support:
- Ordering our seeds
- Growing and sharing our varieties
- Leaving reviews and feedback
- Sharing information
- Making small donations
If you would like to support us, you can leave a small contribution via the following link: Donation
Even a review, a short comment, a photo, some feedback and the sharing of information helps to preserve varietal diversity and keep knowledge alive.
Gardening begins for us with trust.
If you have any questions about our varieties or shipping, or if you simply need some advice, feel free to get in touch. We’re happy to support you on your path to sustainable sowing.
Use the chat option at the bottom right to get in touch with Benji.
So you can support our work and soon enjoy your own sowing:
- Order in the online shop – Place your order directly here in the shop. Orders by email, social‑media chat or phone are also possible, but they require significantly more processing time.
- Get tracking information – As soon as your order has been processed and dispatched, you will automatically receive a shipping notification by email, including the link to track your parcel.
- Support with reviews – You can support us by leaving reviews on our website, on Google or on other social‑media channels.
- Support with donations – Contributions help us offer more varieties more quickly, secure them independently and keep them publicly accessible in the long term.
