Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Growing => Grow Your Own => Topic started by: Browseruk on March 10, 2023, 12:23

Title: Wilko seeds: cheap, but are they any good?
Post by: Browseruk on March 10, 2023, 12:23
Experoence? Thoughts?
Title: Re: Wilko seeds: cheap, but are they any good?
Post by: coldandwindy on March 10, 2023, 13:50
Experoence? Thoughts?
I'm wary of seeds that are sitting in a shop. I always presume they will be lower quality than ones from a cold warehouse. Have to admit I've never tried Wilko's though.
Are you buying in person or by post?
Wilko's postage is quite expensive. It would depend how many packets you want but for 10 packets or less D.T.Brown are cheaper and known (very good) quality because of their much lower postage*.

* (I'm comparing 10x Wilco 75p a packet for standard, popular varieties plus £5 post; with DTB 99p a packet for the same 10 varieties plus £1.95 post.)

Sorry that didn't really answer your question, did it! ::)
Title: Re: Wilko seeds: cheap, but are they any good?
Post by: Learnerlady on March 10, 2023, 14:48
Hi,
I get some seeds from Wilko, both veg and flowers and found them to be fine, also had seed potatoes and onion sets. Not a wide choice of varieties but grow ok. Know of others on our allotment site who also use.
Worth looking for end of season bargains as they usually sell off at half price but need to be quick.
Title: Re: Wilko seeds: cheap, but are they any good?
Post by: mumofstig on March 10, 2023, 15:04
I've found them just as reliable as ones I've bought from the 'big' suppliers, at better prices, although as already mentioned, they have a very restricted range of 'old favourites'.
Title: Re: Wilko seeds: cheap, but are they any good?
Post by: Glosterboy on March 10, 2023, 15:20
I've over 100 Ailsa Craig onion seedlings (2ins tall) potted on. Plus a nice showing of Red Chantenay carrots in a 10" pot. Both from Wilko. OK both are currently indoors as of last Monday (6th) because of the very cold times. But up till Monday they were quite happy in a cold greenhouse. As of next week both will be back out there.
Title: Re: Wilko seeds: cheap, but are they any good?
Post by: greenjay on March 10, 2023, 16:15
I find the wilko seeds terrific value and germinate well. I only go for a name if it is for a particular variety I want.





Title: Re: Wilko seeds: cheap, but are they any good?
Post by: vikingraider on March 10, 2023, 19:39
I've never had any seeds from wilko, but on a side note, i notice lidl are doing some seeds 4 packets for £1 next week. Are any lidl seeds any good?
Title: Re: Wilko seeds: cheap, but are they any good?
Post by: Goosegirl on March 11, 2023, 09:12
Having had seeds from a few different suppliers in the past, I have found they all vary as to whether they germinate ok. Could be me as I used a peat-free compost last year with no success then switched to another one a bit later on and that did the trick. Still doesn't answer your question but I'd go for it.
Title: Re: Wilko seeds: cheap, but are they any good?
Post by: steven c on March 11, 2023, 09:47
go to premier for most of our seeds but we have bought from Range near us they are 2 packets for a pound limited varieties but they seem to germinate ok.
Title: Re: Wilko seeds: cheap, but are they any good?
Post by: madcat on March 14, 2023, 11:31
I've never had any seeds from wilko, but on a side note, i notice lidl are doing some seeds 4 packets for £1 next week. Are any lidl seeds any good?

I've grown seeds from both aldi and lidl and they are fine.  Normal germination rates.  Usually the number of seeds reflects the lower price, but since we always have more seed than we need, not a problem.
Title: Re: Wilko seeds: cheap, but are they any good?
Post by: Aled on March 14, 2023, 15:48
I buy, Radishes, Beetroot and Carrots which are in my experience fine.
Title: Re: Wilko seeds: cheap, but are they any good?
Post by: Subversive_plot on March 14, 2023, 16:32
My cheap seeds come from a place called Dollar Tree, their seeds are 4 packets for $1, I have had good luck with them.  They don't offer anything fancy, just common varieties, but they grow well and produce good vegetables, so they are a bargain in my book.
Title: Re: Wilko seeds: cheap, but are they any good?
Post by: GraciesGran on March 15, 2023, 08:20
I've never had any problems with them.  Onion sets, seed potatoes and veg seeds have all been good. Last year's sweet peas were fabulous unlike the expensive brand I had purchased which were a disaster.