Lidl Seeds - what's good?

Red_Cat

Hi all,

I like to grow different veg each Summer, starting from seed. Things like tomatoes, herbs, spring onions, peppers, chillies, aubergines, lettuce etc.
I also like to keep costs down, using good seeds at a good price. In the past I have used seeds from Lidl with mixed results. Last year I ended up buying from Wilko own brand seeds, which in my mind yielded better results, but were dearer than Lidl's seeds

So I would like to know if anyone thinks Lidl seeds are just good as big name branded ones and perhaps which ones are reliable for which veg.

Thanks

Red Cat

angelavdavis

I grew some squashes from the Lidl seed section and they were excellent. Bought some from Fothergills - rubbish. I'm back to Lidl this year!

ALIBOBSY

I had no problems with lidl/netto or aldi seeds, the only issue is a slightly limited choice as to varieties, just as good (and in some cases better) than the more expensive ones. But don't bother with money maker toms, so many better varieties.

ali x

jollyanna

The only time I've had a problem with Lidl seeds is when I bought carrot seed. Can't remember the type but I learnt later that carrot is only viable for a restricted amount of time so it was clearly duff.

Ken68

Lidl seed cost 29pence or 49pence a packet.Never seen parsnips there or brussels, tho some odd things like schorzoney (sp) and salsify.
Full marks tho for stocking Norfolk Giant carrots.

conradmum

I haven't tried Lidl seeds but I do find the seeds from this site to be very good quality: http://www.alanromans.com/

Most seeds are around 50p a packet.

Generally, over many years of gardening, I've found that you get what you pay for, certainly when it comes to buying seeds and plants. Sometimes you'll get the odd bargain but mostly I've found ultra cheap seeds to be a false economy, as they have low (or non-existent!) germination rates compared to good quality, fresh seed. Also, if you buy from a shop such as Lidl or Wilko, the seeds will have been sitting in a warm environment for perhaps months, not the ideal storage conditions.

The above site I mentioned cuts costs by not having the seeds in pretty packets. They come in their little foil bags and sowing instructions are on the website instead. They also have a more limited range than the big seed suppliers, but definitely worth a look imo.

midnightraven3

last year someone brought me seeds from there
i was a bit sceptical

planted them, and they were great
they had icicle radish, i had never grown them
they were easy, quick and very delicious,
if you can get them, i highly recommend them
they grow to approx 7" in length, juicy white raish, carrot shaped!

Red_Cat

Midnightraven,

do you mean you bought seeds from alanromans.com?

I had a quick peek just now and the prices look.

RAS

Last year Lidl had a Swiss Chard called Lucellus. It looks pretty boring compared with others but I knew it was very hardy. I have some planted alongside the multicoloured variety.

After the recent snow (four weeks except a brief spell over New Year) the red chard is dead or dying, the yellow equally knackered, and the white chard will eventually produce something. The Lucellus plants are still looking reasonable and should be harvestable in about two weeks.

Despite being hardy and havig wrinkled leaves, I find that it cooks well and is tender to eat.

if Lidl are doing peas and beans at 49p again, they are definately a lot cheaper tham from anywhere else.

Red_Cat

Thanks for the advice everyone.

midnightraven3

sorry Red Cat

just saw your Q
my seeds were from Lidl
there isnt one near me so i had never been
when they said they were 29p i was a bit sceptical
but they grew beautiful radish, and i would buy again