> At a Glance
> – 1,101 unsolicited seed packets from China collected in Texas since February 2025
> – Commissioner Sid Miller warns the seeds could unleash invasive species
> – Texans told: do not open, plant, or trash the packages
> – Why it matters: A single misplanted seed could threaten crops, gardens, and the food supply
Mystery seed mailings that began in 2020 are still showing up on Texas doorsteps. The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) says the latest confirmed package arrived December 29, 2025, and the numbers keep climbing.
What’s Inside the Mailers
The envelopes carry unidentified seed types-sometimes paired with unknown liquids. Officials fear they could carry invasive plants, pests, or pathogens that might devastate local agriculture.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller stressed the stakes:
> “At a glance, this might seem like a small problem, but this is serious business. The possible introduction of an invasive species to the state via these seeds poses real risks to Texas families and the agriculture industry.”
How Many Have Been Found
TDA tracking shows the scope:
- 1,101 seed packages collected since February 2025
- Mailings spread to more than 100 Texas towns
- Similar reports from Ohio, New Mexico, Alabama
Nationwide, the phenomenon dates back to 2020 and is tied to “brushing” scams-sellers ship cheap items to create fake e-commerce reviews. Yet TDA and federal partners are testing every package in case the motive is more malicious.
Safe Handling Rules
Texans who receive an unsolicited seed envelope should:
- Leave the packet sealed
- Do not plant or compost the contents
- Avoid tossing seeds in household trash (they can reach landfills and sprout)
- Call 1-800-TELL-TDA for pickup instructions
> “Whether it’s part of an ongoing scam or something more sinister, we are determined to protect Texans,” Miller said. “Unsolicited seeds coming into our country are a risk to American agriculture, our environment, and public safety.”
Key Takeaways
- 1,101 mystery seed packages intercepted in Texas since early 2025
- Latest package logged December 29, 2025-the mailings haven’t stopped
- Texans should seal and report unsolicited seeds; planting or trashing them could unleash crop-killing invasives
Stay alert: a tiny seed can carry a giant threat.
