Garden Safari Seed Pack Plants: What You Get

Updated 6 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

Yes, a Garden Safari seed pack contains a curated mix of flower, herb, and vegetable seeds chosen to attract pollinators and beneficial insects, typically including varieties like cosmos, marigolds, sunflowers, and basil. The exact contents vary by pack and season, but the common thread is that every plant is selected to be easy to grow from seed and beneficial for a garden ecosystem. This article explains what’s typically inside, how to plant them, and how to get the best results.

What a Garden Safari Seed Pack Actually Contains

Garden Safari is a brand of seed packets sold at many garden centers, big-box stores, and online marketplaces. Unlike a single-variety packet, a Safari pack is a collection—often 10 to 20 different types of seeds—bundled under a theme. Common themes include “Butterfly Garden,” “Pollinator Mix,” “Cut Flower Garden,” and “Kitchen Herb Garden.”

Typical flower seeds you might find include:

Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) – tall, daisy-like flowers in pink, white, and purple
Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) – bright orange and yellow, known for deterring some pests
Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) – classic tall annuals with large seed heads
Zinnias (Zinnia elegans) – colorful, long-lasting cut flowers
Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) – edible flowers and leaves with a peppery taste
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) – also called pot marigold, edible petals

Herb seeds often included are basil (Ocimum basilicum), cilantro (Coriandrum sativum), and dill (Anethum graveolens). Some packs also contain a few easy vegetables like radishes (Raphanus sativus) or lettuce (Lactuca sativa), though the focus is usually on flowers and herbs.

How the Seed Pack Works

Each Garden Safari pack is essentially a collection of individual seed envelopes or a single multi-compartment packet. The seeds are not pre-treated or coated; they are raw, open-pollinated (not hybrid) seeds that you sow directly into soil. The pack includes a planting guide that lists each variety, its spacing, depth, and days to germination.

The design assumes you have basic gardening tools: a trowel, a watering can or hose, and a sunny spot. Most of the included plants are annuals, meaning they complete their life cycle in one season. You sow them in spring after the last frost, they flower or leaf out in summer, and they die with the first hard frost in autumn. A few, like calendula and dill, may self-seed for the following year.

How to Plant Garden Safari Seeds for Best Results

Success with any seed pack depends on following the specific instructions on the back of the packet, but these general steps work for most varieties:

Prepare the soil: Choose a spot with at least 6 hours of direct sun. Loosen the top 6–8 inches of soil and remove rocks and weeds. Mix in a 1–2 inch layer of compost if your soil is heavy or sandy.
Sow at the right depth: A general rule is to plant seeds at a depth equal to twice their diameter. Tiny seeds like basil and lettuce should be pressed onto the soil surface and barely covered; larger seeds like sunflowers and nasturtiums go ½ to 1 inch deep.
Water gently: Use a fine spray to moisten the soil without washing seeds away. Keep the top inch of soil consistently damp until seedlings appear.
Thin seedlings: When seedlings have two sets of true leaves, thin them to the spacing recommended on the packet. Overcrowding leads to weak, spindly plants.
Fertilize lightly: Most of these plants are not heavy feeders. A monthly application of a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (like 10-10-10) is plenty.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

Even easy seeds can fail if conditions are off. The most common issues are:

Damping-off: This fungal disease kills seedlings at soil level. Prevent it by using well-draining soil, avoiding overwatering, and providing good air circulation.
Leggy seedlings: If seedlings grow tall and spindly, they are not getting enough light. Move them to a sunnier spot or use a grow light.
Birds and rodents: Sunflower and nasturtium seeds are attractive to birds and mice. Cover freshly sown seeds with netting or a row cover until they sprout.
Poor germination: Old seeds or seeds stored in a hot, humid place may have low viability. Check the packet for a “packed for” date and buy fresh packs each season.

Garden Safari vs. Other Seed Options

Garden Safari packs are a convenient, budget-friendly way to try many varieties at once. Compared to buying individual packets (which can cost $2–$4 each), a Safari pack often costs around $10–$15 and gives you 10–20 types. However, the trade-off is that you don’t get to choose the exact varieties, and some may not suit your climate or taste.

Compared to seed catalogs from specialty growers, Safari packs are less diverse—you won’t find rare heirloom tomatoes or unusual peppers. But for a beginner or a family wanting a fun, low-stakes introduction to gardening, they are an excellent starting point.

Cost and Where to Buy

Garden Safari seed packs are widely available at big-box retailers (Walmart, Target), hardware stores (Home Depot, Lowe’s), and online (Amazon, eBay). Prices typically range from $8 to $20 depending on the number of varieties and the retailer. Some packs are labeled as “premium” and include larger seed quantities or organic seeds, which cost more.

You can also find them at independent garden centers, though the selection may be smaller. If you buy online, check the seller’s return policy and reviews to ensure you’re getting a fresh, authentic product.

Safety and Environmental Considerations

The seeds themselves are not toxic if ingested, but they are not meant for consumption. Keep packets away from small children and pets to avoid choking. The plants they produce are generally safe, but some, like calendula and nasturtiums, are edible only if grown without pesticides. Always wash any edible flowers or leaves before eating.

From an environmental standpoint, these packs are a net positive: they encourage pollinator-friendly gardening. However, be mindful that some varieties (like certain cosmos and sunflowers) can self-seed aggressively in mild climates. Deadhead spent flowers to control spread. Also, avoid planting near natural areas if you live in a region where these species are not native.

Alternatives to Garden Safari Seed Packs

If you want more control or specific varieties, consider these alternatives:

Individual seed packets: Buy exactly what you want from a seed company or local nursery.
Seed libraries: Many public libraries lend seeds for free—check your local branch.
Seed swaps: Exchange seeds with neighbors or local gardening clubs to get diverse varieties at no cost.
Seed tapes: Pre-spaced seeds on biodegradable paper make planting even easier for beginners.
Seedling transplants: Buy young plants at a nursery for instant gratification, though this is more expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Garden Safari seed packs come with instructions?

Yes, every pack includes a printed guide with planting depth, spacing, sunlight, and days to germination for each variety. Some also include a visual chart showing what the mature plant looks like.

Can I plant all the seeds at once?

Not necessarily. Some varieties, like cool-season lettuce and cilantro, prefer early spring, while warm-season plants like sunflowers and zinnias need soil temperatures above 60°F. Check the individual instructions and stagger your planting accordingly.

Are the seeds organic or GMO?

Most Garden Safari packs are not certified organic, but they are not genetically modified (GMO) either. They are standard, open-pollinated seeds. If you need organic, look for packs specifically labeled “organic.”

How long do the seeds stay viable?

Under cool, dry, dark conditions, most seeds remain viable for 1–3 years. After that, germination rates decline. For best results, use the pack within the first year.

Can I save seeds from these plants for next year?

Yes, because they are open-pollinated, you can save seeds from the flowers and herbs. Let the seed heads dry on the plant, then collect and store them in a paper envelope in a cool, dry place.

Will these plants attract bees and butterflies?

Yes, that’s the main purpose. The mix includes nectar-rich and pollen-rich flowers like cosmos, zinnias, and marigolds, which are highly attractive to pollinators. Avoid using pesticides to keep them safe.

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